No. 47 Squadron RAF Army support role. The Squadron moved to RAF Disforth in September 1948, where it became the first RAF Squadron to receive the Handley Page Hastings four-engined transport. The conversion process was rushed as the aircraft were needed to support the Berlin Airlift, with the Squadron moving to Schleswigland, near Kiel in West Germany on 1 November 1948. The aircraft was mainly used to carry coal, carrying out 3,000 trips to Berlin and carrying 22,000 tons of supplies. When the blockade ended the Squadron returned to the United Kingdom, moving to RAF Topcliffe on 22 August 1949, operating in support of
70000 Tons of Metal board, each band playing two sets. Four stages were constructed for the event to accommodate the additional 20 artists, which included stages in the Platinum Theatre, the Sphinx Lounge, Studio B, and the Pool Deck which hosts the "Biggest Open Air Stage to Sail the Seas". Over 70 countries were represented by the fans on board in 2015, making 70000 Tons of Metal, according to the "Skipper", Andy Piller, the "United Nations of Metal at Sea". 70000 Tons of Metal hosted an array of special on board events 2015. The fifth edition of 70000 Tons of Metal saw the return