"Perhaps the idea was to let it get sucked through the intakes and into the steam generator, where the T/P would
ignite the the phosphorus... I believe Surry is a PWR."
Wouldn't it make more sense if it was just a flare for the sake of being a flare for an intended drop (people or device?) that was foiled? Or for a covert training op from Ft. Eustace?
You may well be right that it the WP flare was just so much flotsam.
As to the idea of using a WP on a covert op, you ever see one of these go off?? I don't think of a 'WP' and 'covert' in the same thought sequence.
sub6
That is part of my initial thoughts. However, to pop a flare is to draw attention to one's presence therefore why would one have one to begin with if the plan is to be covert or relying upon stealth.