I was part of a crew on that drop in '74. We didn't drop because of all the red flares being fired. I stand to be corrected, but I believe the error was that the ground markers had been placed wrongly, resulting in the drop being early. The paras that died that night drowned in the Kiel Canal, not having life-jackets. There was also a large ship in the canal, although it was supposed to be closed. As a result of the canal not being closed, I also believe that the Kanalmeister committed suicide a day or so later. At least it meant the end of the JATFOR concept, at least as far as the Hercules fleet were concerned. If anyone knows more, please post.