Yes, that sounds very likely. Not sure if they did have forklifts back then, i haven't seen any pics of them. But even if they did they wouldn't be avalible all the time.
This is a link to hannats showing a set of figures doing just what you said.
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=MT35041
Looks the best way to me to get those off a truck.
I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so
On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3