Idle Bystander
What exactly do you mean by ‘missing man’ formation?
The ‘missing man’ is more of a manoeuvre performed when a formation member pulls up out of formation, leaving a gap as a salute to a fallen warrior.
Is it possible what you saw was just a three ship with one wingman more stretched than the other?
BV
By the way, if you wish to see a perfectly executed missing man formation look no further than the Hawks at RIAT 2010 as part of the BoB 70th anniversary.
I may be slightly biased though.