Dave 070
That will have been the 'Whip'; responsible for advising the pilots:
"Number two, forward 5 feet, Number 7 left 10 feet" etc.
The airborne spares would probably have RTB once the formation pushed from the hold.
(Oh, and just curious, but why does just about EVERY thread on this forum descend into a sub-branch of Aviation History & Nostalgia within 24 hours?)