>>>It was then realised that supersonic intrusion into the SU at low level was impossible, if you wanted the aircraft and crew back. The Buccaneer was the best airframe in the world to do the same job at subsonic speeds. This was why it was transferred from the RN to the RAF.<<
Some of the V-force pilots said that they didn't expect to get back either and saw the trip as a one-way.
And, if I recall correctly, the Buccaneer was given the RAF role only after the Labour govt had spent further millions on the abortive attempt to buy the F111. And yes, it did carry that role out well.
But I do wonder what there is new to establish on the subject. I don't think there is much we don't know. The financial position of the UK economy at the time, some below-the-radar pressure from the US, inter-service rivalry led by Mountbottom and the traditional Labour Party hostility to the services all meant she was pretty much doomed.
Still, I would be interested to see any programme showing her in flight