Introduced to the RAF as a transport aircraft in 1948, the Hastings arrived just in time to assist in the Berlin airlift, and remained the RAF's main frontline transport aircraft for some 15 years, especially in the Middle and Far East.
But when Britain withdrew troops from east of Suez this long range transport had fewer uses. Many of them were put into store in the late 60s and broken up later, and plenty found their last resting place at RAF Shawbury.
Some were later converted to weather reconnaissance as well as training, and the last of them were withdrawn in 1977.
