Many thanks to those who have supplied information since my post first appeared. The sources I used for my description of the incident included my father, a flight test engineer at Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd (who was waiting for XH557 to arrive); and the senior ATCO on duty that day, both now deceased. I've amended my memoir accordingly.
Thanks to Mr Farley for the point about runway numbering - I was using the number as correct in 2008, damn that magnetic drift!
Last edited by Steamer Ned; 13th Aug 2014 at 17:54.
Reason: Added the last sentence