JeanB (et al),
I've had a look at "Title: Re: Spitfire Bail Out Procedure". All good stuff ! To the best of my recollection, I don't think the Pilot's Notes in 1942 said anything about a "Bale out" Procedure at all, and our Instructors at my OTU at the time taught us nothing. Everybody knew that the idea was to get out as fast as you can and anyway you can.
Each case is different, the only thing I would advise against is holding the ripcord handle before you are clear of the plane. You'd need two hands for yourself, and the danger is that a premature opening could result in a half-opened canopy becoming entangled with the aircraft structure.
Never had to "bale" out myself, so really don't know !
Cheers, Danny42C.