Aerials & Pacemakers
A Vampire T11 came back after a run to the bombing range with a hung up WW2 type 3" rocket with a 50lb concrete practice warhead - aircraft was left in the revetments facing the length of the runway slightly to one side of it as per regulations - an armourer climbed underneath to check the connections - sure enough what was called a pigtail lead had come loose . He reconnected it. Despite all rules which prevent other trades from working on any aircraft while armourers are busy on it an air electrician climbed into the cockpit and decided to test the firing circuit- as he did so said rocket took off........armourer leapt for safety.........A few unkind words were said..........
The rocket ran the length of the runway - across a main highway (which led to the PM's farm) and landed amidst a herd of dairy cows a few miles away............ fortunately no one or any animal was hurt BUT the lady farmer claimed compensation from the Air Force as as her cows did not give milk for a week.........