In addition to the calendar, it also had a freight bay capable of simultaneously taking both an Abbott Gun and a FV 432, not terribly quickly, I admit, but as far as the 1(BR) Corps area where they were wanted. In 1968/9 there wasn't anything else in the RAF inventory that could approach that, nor was there until the much more recent arrival of the C-17. (The USAF C-133 might have done likewise, I can't be sure, but that was too bulky a load for the C-141A until the C-5A came along from circa-1970.)
Oh, and the bunks were below the flight deck, not behind it - that was the 'Minstrels Gallery.' And having also flown XV102, I do agree that it went somewhat faster.... and higher.
It'll be a pity if XR365 (as was) at Cairns is given over to the local Fire Crew, for there seems little chance of its ever flying out of there - but at least we have XR371 preserved at Cosford, and in original colours.