The UK introduced Post Codes in 1959 but it wasn't until the early 70's that they were used by everybody. In 1971, the Post Office started a national campaign to get everybody using the Post Code. The adverts, shouting 'USE THE POST CODE' were everywhere.

I was in the RAF and stationed at RAF Honington in Suffolk. I decided to test this new 'fantastic' system. I had a morning off work and caught the early bus to Bury St Edmunds, a large market town some 10 miles away.

At the Post Office, I purchased a pre-paid 2nd class envelope and wrote on it:

Q8089960
IP33 1EE

I posted it at 10:00 and was back at camp by 12:00. I started my afternoon shift at 13:00 and there in the post rack was my letter waiting for me! 3 hours - in the days pre-scanning and pre-computers, everything looked up and done by hand. I always use the Post Code now.

Regards

Chas