This Transit Billet was usually the first stop for “other Ranks” when they arrived at the start of their tour on Gan.  These billets were very sparse and had an earth floor.  Each airman, on arrival, was allocated a mattress, mosquito net, two sheets and a blanket for the standard steel frame bed. This was supplemented by a tall wooden locker for the storage of personal kit.

Thankfully, the usual stay for an airman in the Transit Billet was no more than a few days, before being re-housed in the standard Airmen’s Billets at the western end of the island.  All rooms in these billets were protected with mosquito screens at the doors and windows and a ceiling fan kept the air in circulation.  Only the “Officer’s” quarters and rooms were fitted with air conditioning.

Use of the temporary Transit Billets was discontinued early in 1960 when permanent custom-built accommodation became available.  This meant no more sleepless nights for newcomers (Moonies) sweating under mosquito nets fixed over their bed.