[citation needed] By the 1960s the expression had a clear and self-evident sexual connotation which replaced the original meaning and resulted in a convenient double entendre for the programme.

The series has never been repeated in full on terrestrial TV in the UK, although the UKTV Gold cable channel has aired the episodes uncut.

Relocation in series 3 to RAF Midham next to a WAAF station allowed an additional sexual angle, as did Corporal Marsh moving into married quarters on-site (albeit a caravan).

The theme song composed by Alan Braden, quickly communicated to audiences that national service would not be a fulfilling experience for the recruits with the lines "Though you're in the RAF, you'll never see a plane" and "There's only one way to get out and that's to get some in.

Sadistic Drill Instructor, Corporal Percy Marsh takes charge of C Flight, a new intake of National Servicemen who have joined the Royal Air Force.

Ken Richardson is a former grammar school pupil, Jakey Smith is a teddy boy, Bruce Leckie is a pessimistic Glaswegian and Matthew Lilley is a vicar’s mild-mannered son.

However, when the sergeant turns up drunk and the Air Commodore is on a surprise inspection, the lads have to think fast to protect Dobson’s reputation and pension.

Jakey runs afoul of some local teddy boys and they all risk a charge for being AWOL when Agnes’ car won’t start.

Despite their objections and best efforts, C Flight cannot stop Marsh from stealing their coke for his own house, to keep Alice warm.

Flt Lt Grant wants C Flight to win the Inter-Flight Competition but feels that Marsh does not have the respect of the men in his command.

With Don Henderson as Flt Sgt Tidy, David Sibley as LAC Steward and Keith Ashley as Sergeant.

Richardson aims too high attempting for a commission, Jakey tries some reverse psychology for his trade and Alice threatens to walk out on Marsh when he loses his stripes.

Flight Sergeant Wells welcomes them warmly, their accommodation is superb and, for the first time since enlisting, everything appears to be going their way - at least until Marsh turns up.

Jakey teases the WAAFs and later, in the canteen, Bruce bumps into their NCO, Corporal Wendy who takes an interest in him.

Marsh is preparing for Alice to arrive and forces the four friends to redecorate his dilapidated married quarters instead of allowing them to revise for their next lesson.

Short on cash himself, Marsh proposes a card game but Alice is angry when she discovers what he has wagered.

Druidswater receives a VIP patient, a recently promoted, heroic corporal who selflessly carried his Commanding Officer 84 miles in sub-zero temperatures.

Meanwhile, Alice worries what will happen to the lovely married quarters when Marsh is declared fit for duty and posted.

Invited as the ‘Meet the Celebrity’ guest speaker at the local church, Marsh embellishes his account of how he carried his CO, Wg Cdr ’Pinky’ Pinkerton, over 80 miles.