I traced the inverted W yoke, ‘rams horn’, back to the HS 125 (Aahh de Havilland). I suspect that as explained by JF that reduced flight deck space and the need for large amounts of rudder / aileron was a major driver in its use. The rams horn configuration gave a relaxed hand position and certainly gave a clear view of the flight instruments. A further advantage was that it enabled easy control of the aircraft on the ground when using ailerons steering. This is an unusual characteristic of the 125 (125-800++) where the ailerons aided directional control on the runway – particularly after engine failure. The control input via the yoke was akin to steering a bicycle.
The rams horn was used on the Trident (HS121), but not on the HS146. I assume that the 125 design preceded the Trident. Any information on the Comet or its DH predecessors; or why the 146 did not follow the DH design?