The V-Force ceased QRA midnight on 30 Jun 1968.
During the QRA period squadrons had 11 crews. Once QRA ceased the squadron UE was reduced to 10 crews. In Cyprus both sqns had 10 crews. From 1971 to May 73 I know we never held alert. We used to have Exercise Hetti with aircraft loaded with training weapons and a fly off.
Once, under Air Cdre Stacey, probably 1971, after NEAF terminated Hetti he ordered all aircraft unloaded, 're-roled for conventional and loaded with 1000 lb HE.
I cannot recall whether it was 21x1000. We certainly flew with fewer and dud live drops but whether it was after Hetti I can't recall. I rather think weapons were not flown on this occasion. Stacey also insisted that everyone was issued with weapons and live ammunition. For aircrew this was 9mm Browning SLP and 10 rounds.