I was in the RAF for five years; 2.5 years in Germany at about 50 KM NorthWest of Dusseldorf and about 10 miles from the Dutch border.
***
When I was called for National Service, I requested the Royal Navy for the two year period; yet, despite four "O levels" in English/ Math, History, and Art, respectively, they said they were only taking individuals who were prepared to sign on for twelve years. I declined their offer and then checked the Royal Air Force, where the pay was abysmal for National Servicemen, so I volunteered for five years and was trained as an aero engine mechanic, where I worked mainly on Rolls Royce Merlin engines and some Rolls Royce jet engines. I spent nearly three years in Germany (RAF Wildenrath) under the command of a Wing Commander Dunlop, an absolutely stupendous individual and a fine rugby player. A WW II fighter pilot of Spitfires and Hurricanes, I believe. The base in Germany no longer exists. Interestingly, a neighbor of mine was based in Mannheim in Germany in the USAF just three years after my tour of duty, so we frequently talk about the usual stuff that air force veterans discuss from the fifties. My favorite radio station was based in the American zone: The Voice of America's jazz program was called the "Munich Night train." Listening to the jazz was like blood to a vampire. I never regretted my five years in the RAF, although I was very pleased to move on when I left the service in 1960. Willis Conover's name comes to mind when I think of the Voice of America.pilot
***
I've never been a motor cycle aficionado because back in the fifties when I was in the Air Force, I took a ride as a pillion passenger on a Royal Enfield. When attempting to negotiate a bend in a Norfolk country lane, the lost control and ran the machine into a meadow full of cows. The irony here was that he was testing the motor cycle with an option to purchase and had damaged the bike to the tune of a tidy sum. I've never been on one since.