…... weighing machine
with an accuracy of plus or minus five pounds and a dutiful orderly who followed pilots to aircraft and when they were strapped in took temperature and pulse -
On Saturday there was no flying and an extensive programme of lectures was arranged. 'Sir' spoke first on several points and was followed by a little aircraft recognition and two interesting lectures on Intelligence and Middle East affairs. Lecture listening is thirsty work and most of the Squadron went straight from the crewroom to the bar where several were introduced to Sir Hugh Foot, the Governor of the Island. Later a champagne party developed during which Moose scored a hit with a cork on the personage of Her Majesty's Governor.
The weekend was spent in sunbathing and on Sunday a 
few ventured into either the oggin at Kyrenia or the station swimming pool. The Battle Flight pair had good trade over the weekend and claimed several aircraft; throughout the week Sector were most generaous with practice scrambles and it was a certainty that unless a request was made to the contrary the pair would be scrambled even if only for PIs.
The main hope for the future and inspiration for the present or so it would seem from the frequent rushes to the window is in the shape of a young lady who treks past the crewroom at least once a day. By Wednesday, Mating Man Moose had spoken and by Thursday he was holding lengthy conversations and inviting the said young lady to take coffee with the boys -
Monday 31st March -
The weather for the start of the week was good but Monday morning being what it is aircraft had barely become airborne when Dez returned homewards with a fire warning light and don Dewhurst landed later to the commentary from the
T11 in the circuit that an aircraft had just lost a drop tank; fine enough Don was lighter by one dropper. These were the first signs of the increasing unserviceability which by the end of the week was to become a big problem.
On Monday evening the combined birthdays of John Barwell and Bill Thomas were celebrated -
Although Tuesday was the 40th birthday of the Royal Air Force and the Squadron and the third birthday of EOKA no cards, presents or bombs were received.
Ch 2 -
