Memories of flying with 41 Squadron

While based at RAF Tengah (1971-1973) I completed a number of flights round Asia. As a Junior Supplier at 41 Squadron my role on these flights was to load and unload the aircraft.

The view while lying in the nose of the B170 during the mail and medical runs, provided vivid memories of Vietnam, the turmoil below and numerous vapor trails above. The occasional rapid spiral decent into isolated airfields added to the excitement and awe of the old Bristol Freighters.

Brief overnights in Saigon were often spent bargain hunting (elephant hide golf bags!) or exchanging Johnny Walker for American Army field equipment. However, the most enjoyable part of the trip for this baggy (junior rank) was being directed to overnight at the SNCO mess at RAAF Butterworth, wearing a spare sergeant's shirt – temp field promotion?

Read a Chris Brownie poem about B170 flights into Vietnam