This was in fact a real nasty
( F-4, front canopy etc)
Yes, I was aware that there had indeed been sadly been a real case on the RAF F-4 of a front canopy/rear seat occupant collision with fatal results.........
the RAF Phantom sop was for the pilot to announce the need for ejection by doing so.
Certainly that was the standard brief for "time critical" ejections....as I recall it there was a bit of latitude if the problem was less time critical but yes, if in any doubt at all the front seater went first without any announcement.
Of course it didn't always quite work out as briefed...
stilton...<< ......even killed if the system is not operated as planned>>.
HQ: "I think that is a standard consequence of (military) aviation".
Harley; agreed, no startling revalation or mystery to it.