Have just spoken to EGLL ATC (thanks Duchess Driver for the link). Ended up chatting to the gent who was the Departure Director at the time of my infringement.
Although I thought my apology and explaination sounded rather feeble to me (including the statement that I had taken into account this particular piece of LTMA class A airspace when flight planning, and then proceeded to forget it as we got near), the DD accepted what I said and didn't belittle me at all. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. He did advise me that I had affected matters, though not too seriously. (Gulp)
I extended my apologies to all for my poor airmanship, and ILAFFT (I Learned About Flying From That).
Talkdown stated
I do NOT believe for one moment that a Blackbushe FISO requested that camlobe do that.
No need to be a disbeliever, Talkdown. I was advised at the time it was for noise abatement. The two other pilots on board heard the same as well, and being 'socially responsible', I gladly complied. Problem was, I concentrated on the request and forgot my basic airmanship. Hence my reference above to ILAFFT.
For interest, the trip was navigated using chart, VOR's, ADF and Mk 1 eyeball, not GPS. I doubt if GPS would have made any difference as I was flying 'eyes out of the office' for the last few miles, visual with Blackbushe, and watching other traffic.
camlobe