And in 1963 I was one of the first batch of RAF personnel to be trained in the use of their new computerised stores accounting systems. Volumes of handwritten forms to fill out that then were used to prepare Punched cards which in turn produced Punched tapes which were stored on vast reels that were then connected to a teleprinter. We then dialled (note dialled as in old style telephone not push button) the magic number on the teleprinter which connected us to the main computer which was housed in two aircraft hangers (I cannot say where ~ Official secrets Act etc). Once connected the teleprinter reeled these huge tapes round and transmitted the data (holes) to the main computer. Thus all RAF Stations, world wide fed in details of their daily stores usage of everything from fuel, via aircraft spares, ammunition, bombs though to cap badges, buttons and toilet paper to the central accounts. Requests for replacements were sent the same way. Each station had a specific time slot in which to do this operation daily.
I saw "The Computer" (as it was known). It really did fill two aircraft hangers and yes it was all glowing valves and whirling discs of paper tape. 44 years on and I can sit here using a tiny lap-top and talk rubbish to you all.
Ain't it wunnerful?
