OH
Sounds to me like the journalist's article was good press for the RAF, and so what if it was written based on the brief? I am guessing that 48 years ago at the height of the Cold War all sorts of things were printed that people today would raise an eyebrow to. If he gave the impression that he was present throughout the flight then he deserves a kick up the arse, but that doesn't sound like the case from what you have written.
As for brandishing all journalists as liars based on a solitary incident 48 years ago, you'll find you're in good company here on PPRuNe where the supplies of salt (and spite, vitriol and prejudice) are limitless!