Lightning Mate, aahh memories of MPC.
The photo #66 (one which I took earlier), was Jack downing a high flying Jindivik, followed by a 23 Sqn warp 9 reheat fly-past over the FTS/MPC and a pull up to trail level; at which time calling 2 mins to break.
May have been the same detachment when ‘boy flyer’ and instructor decided to abandon a Gnat in the circuit – complained about having no elevator control; blogs and co strapping in for a live firing thought ‘silly place to practice parachuting’.
Unmanned Gnat dutifully circled the airfield while everyone else left the scene; the ensuing ATC silence was broken by ‘Scruff’ who stated that he had the warhead round – “lets go and get it”.
The Gnat crashed (without further aid) on the beach behind MPC; the locals petitioned Station Commander to remove ejection seats in training aircraft.