I cannot vouch for this story because it came to me about 3rd hand, but I believe it to be basically true.
One night back in the 1950's the GCA at Tangmere took a N/F Meteor through the top of a tree well short of the threshhold.
The damage wasn't too bad, change the ventral tank, remove some foliage from the intakes and undercarriage, etc.
Consternation ! the GCA is placed u/s and the Sigs Sqd who checked/calibrated the nav aids was called for.
The Varsity arrived next evening but it was dark by the time they were ready to fly.
Not to worry, away they went to carry out their check, and the CGA put them through the same tree, but this time it entailed work for the panel beaters.
