Thanks to all for their replies.
As somebody who regularly replenished flare cartridges, and serviced signal pistols on Vulcans and Nimrods, I would be interested in details of how the system was fitted and operated. For instance, what was the procedure if a flare failed to be ejected ?

The Shackleton, in the desert, was being flown from South Africa to the U.K. to perform some air displays. I believe it suffered engine problems en route, and was forced to make an emergency landing, as shown in the picture.

As can be seen, it was soon stripped of any useful parts, probably by the locals.

He will now be riding on a SILVER MACHINE, decorated with an ACE OF SPADES symbol.

RIP Lemmy, you will be sorely missed by many.

These accidents still happen, even in this day and age.

There’s video evidence of the USN guy going up the intake of an A-6 intruder, (Luckily he survived by wedging himself in the intake).

There was also an incident at a Scotish Maritime Base when a groundcrew member entered the intake danger zone, during a ground run, and paid the ultimate price. I know as I was working at that airfield when it happened.

You have my sympathy Paul.

Having been through similar emotional trauma with one dog and 2 cats, I know exactly how you feel. My last cat had very similar problems to yours, and it was heartbreaking to cuddle him in the Vets, while the injection was administered. He even licked my face as his last conscious action.

Cabbage

Put in prospective, this is the first air show crash to involve deaths, other than pilot and/or aircrew, since the Farnborough DH110 crash in 1952, 63 years ago.

This is forgetting the unfortunate events at Ramstein Air Base, invoving the Frecce Tricolour, many years ago. My condolences to those involved, and I’m amazed that the pilot survived.

Don’t forget he was the miserable so-and-so “Smiler” in “Last of the Summer Wine”.

R.I.P. a very fine character actor.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Tony