1975, Coltishall is on Taceval, Neatishead is doing a SIMEX (simulated exercise). The Conex (previous title for the MC) at Neatishead was an old Irish man called Paddy McGurk.
A shack checks in with the Fighter Marshall and asks to speak to the Conex, they then explain that they are simulating a defector for the Taceval and could we tell Coltishall that we had a defecting Bear bomber and had been ordered to direct him to land at Colt.
Paddy phones Colt and explains about the defecting Bear. Just as a cross-check, Colt asks Paddy to confirm if this is Exercise or Live. It is at this stage the confusion sets in.....
Paddy, since we are in the middle of a SIMEX, intends to clarify that it is a real, live, aircraft, not a paper inject, and states that it is Live. Colt asks for confirmation which is given.
At Colt, where the question had been aimed at clarifying if this was Exercise (Taceval) or Live (a real Bear), panic now ensues. The Taceval is suspended, a frantic rush to assemble a live armed guard force is made and everyone rushes around with their heads on fire. They then wait expectantly beside the runway - and the Shack comes over the fence and lands.
Mind you, they did have red stars stuck on their cap badges and cotton wool stuck around the toes of their boots.
It certainly made for a few interesting telephone calls and a good happy hour....