'they were not RAF crew'
WR
Exactly who the rescue team were is not particularly relevant to the general risks I was outlining.
However, I was advised by a pilot friend who had spoken that afternoon to the Search and Rescue helicopter crew from RAF Chivenor, who evacuated the injured pilot, that the two brave individuals were connected with the SARS base at Chivenor. It may be that they were recently retired (I think that might have been mentioned). Precisely who they were does not detract from their incredible bravery .... no-one else dared venture near the wreck with AvGas pouring all over the place!
It may be that you were the pilot of the 172 or even one of the brave individuals involved (in which case I seriously hope you're around if I end up in a prang like that, God forbid .... but it won't be due to the use of the wrong runway heading!). But, just for the record, please do feel free to advise exactly who they were since you were obviously close to the situation. They deserve to be acknowledged.