This book explains the systems and components used on the English Electric Canberra, how and why these components work, where they are in the system, as well as the servicing schedules. Within this book, there are stories from my time in the RAF, when working on the Canberra with 73 Squadron in Cyprus. This book should be of interest to people who have a fondness for aircraft, particularly those aircraft no longer in service. The Canberra was an important part of the RAF during the period known as the Cold War, the late 1960s to the early 1970s. I was born in Plymouth in Devon. I joined the Royal Air Force in February 1967, trained in the Airframe trade. That particular trade is what the book is based upon. I was posted to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in July 1968, where I worked on the Canberra in the hangar, known as second line servicing, then I was attached to 73 Squadron where I carried out first line servicing. The stories in this book are true; they are my personal experiences.

This book gives an insight into the systems and components of the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, along with numerous stories of my time working on the aircraft. I will hopefully explain the servicing procedure while working on first line servicing of the aircraft. Some jobs were more pleasant than others as you will read about, not for those with a nervous disposition. Hopefully, the systems are explained satisfactorily. Some are more complicated than others, as you will no doubt appreciate when reading the text, but the explanation should make everything clear. The Argosy aircraft was part of the RAF Transport Command, doing exactly what it says, transporting people and equipment to various locations around the globe, although this was usually only restricted to Europe and the Middle East. I was posted to RAF Benson in January 1971, having returned from a tour of duty in Cyprus. I enjoyed working on the Argosy for my last fourteen months of service, I had a few continental trips, as well as a four-month detachment to Bahrain, another enjoyable experience. The stories in the book are true; they are my experiences of life working on the Argosy.