To err is human, to forgive is not RAF policy.
Smudge,
A harrowing tale ! As for the slap-dash M.U., I am disturbed to read that, so late in the day, this primeval case of Murphy's Law could still happen. It used, so I'm told, be not uncommon in the days of frequent wing changes after landings ('three-point'- both wingtips and the prop). The solution was connecting turnbuckles of different sizes for the control cables to the ailerons.
But long after my days in the open cockpit, I still waggled the stick and had a look round to see what was actually happening, but often you couldn't see the back well (or at all). Your man had learned well. I hope someone's head at the M.U. rolled for it !
Danny.