Britannia

The Bristol “Britannia” aircraft of RAF Transport Command were, in the early 60,s one of the RAF’s main passenger carrying aircraft.  It was used extensively throughout the world for carrying RAF families and personnel to overseas destinations.  Many of these aircraft staged through Gan and it was very common for the “Brit”, on arrival, to be declared unserviceable.  Engine failures were the most common cause for a delay in the departure of these aircraft.  Many times there had to be an engine change and this took many hours for the SASF guys to complete.  The consequences for other ground staff was that they sometimes had to arrange, at short notice, accommodation and meals for all passengers and crew delayed by the problems.  For the rest of the lads on the island, the delay of passengers, especially female ones, was a bonus.  No, you couldn’t touch, they were too well chaperoned, but at least you could LOOK.  This was especially so when there was a long delay and female passengers came down to the beach in their skimpy bathing costumes for a refreshing swim