I was truly privelidged to fly & work with Puddy, dropping the used flag at low level then accelerating around to drop a blue note over the airfield was awesome and utterly unforgettable. RIP Sir!
On one occasion, someone shot the flag off Winston early in the range slot, so as he had a lot of fuel, Pud belled up Pembrey and asked for some range time. Of course the RSO had no idea what type of aircraft Pud was flying - until he requested a 'simulated napalm pass' and came howling across the range at about 50ft and as fast as he could! After which he was curtly advised to RTB!
Watching Pud drop the flag, then depart downwind to initials and come roaring over Brawdy in a cloud of condensation with just the nose, wingtips and fin tip visible to the accompaniment of an epic Meatbox blue note was indeed a delight!
Where are such characters today???