I recall a story in Germany in the 1970s that may have started the legend, and certainly predates the Dunsfold incident. There was a tale (inevitably "before you were here") of a Harrier that had continued flying after the pilot had opted for a Martin Baker letdown.
Continued flying east towards the (then) baddies....... Lightning Battle Flight from Gutersloh were scrambled ....... but the jet crashed of its own accord before the shootdown was needed.
Story as above was current at Gutersloh in the late 70s, but don't know if any more truth in it....