Steve (#8),
RAF Thornaby ca 1953: on 608 (Auxiliary) Squadron R.Aux.A.F. I was a regular on a ground tour there; 608 let me fly their aircraft to keep my hand in as I'd flown Vampires III and V on 20 Squadron previously).
When the Vampire lands, the tail-pipe is very hot and evaporates all the last drops of AVTUR when shut down on the line. The erks used to put their (cold) HAFFI meat pies in the pipe to warm up.. Checking the pipe for pies and Cornish Pasties was part of the walk-round for the next pilot.
Happy Days! Danny.