'Utterly brilliant: a fantastically exciting book... This really does read like the best kind of thriller. His best book yet'
James Holland, author of Normandy '44
April 1982. Argentina invades the Falkland Islands.
In response, Britain despatches a naval task force. Eight thousand miles from home, its fate hinges on just twenty Sea Harriers against the two hundred-strong might of the Argentine Air Force.
The odds against them are overwhelming.
The MoD's own estimates suggest that half the Harriers will be lost in the opening days of the conflict. They need backup. Within three weeks 809 Naval Air Squadron is reformed, trained and heading south, ready for war.
Not since World War Two had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots.
Rowland White is the author of four critically acclaimed works of aviation history: Vulcan 607, Phoenix Squadron, Storm Front and Into the Black, as well as a compendium of aviation, The Big Book of Flight. Born and brought up in Cambridge, he studied Modern History at Liverpool University. In 2014 he launched Project Cancelled to produce apparel inspired by the best in aviation, space and other cool stuff. Find it at projectcancelled.com
For more information on Rowland White and his books visit his website at rowlandwhite.com or find him on Twitter at @rowlandwhite
Title: Harrier 809: Britain’s Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War
Author: White, Rowland
ISBN: 9780552176354
Binding:
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
Publication Date: 2021-05-13
Number of Pages: 512
Weight: 0.3701 kg
A story of skill, courage and imagination that resembles a miniature Battle of Britain ... a military adventure, written with expertise, a tale of initiative, skill and courage, of pushing beyond the rules ... A thrilling account * The Spectator *
Harrier 809 is a truly insightful study of this iconic British aircraft at war, and a tremendous account of the personal experiences of those who flew it in battle. By turns exciting, moving and enlightening; Rowland White has crafted yet another brilliant account of aerial warfare.
Rowland White has scored again. Harrier 809 reads like a fast-paced military adventure novel only better because every word is true. White has brought us an up-close, inside-the-cockpit saga of a band of heroes in the Falklands air war. Riveting. * Robert Gandt *
Set against the broader context of the Falklands War, Harrier 809 brings the squadron's story to life in fine and highly readable style. * Garth Ennis *
Deeply researched and written with Rowland White's trademark brio, Harrier 809 is the thrilling story of the 'forgotten' Sea Harrier squadron of the Falklands War, one that arrived late to the party yet played a key role in Britain's unlikely victory. A superb book. * Saul David *
This is utterly brilliant: a fantastically exciting book about those amazing Harrier jets in the Falklands War but so much more besides. White has a richly drawn cast of unforgettable characters ... this really does read like the best kind of thriller. His best book yet. * James Holland *
Utterly thrilling and totally absorbing. White conveys brilliantly the spirit of a great aircraft - and the men who flew it * Patrick Bishop *
Rowland White has done it again! A compelling, fast-paced narrative that thrusts us into a fascinating cockpit-view of the Falklands War. Harrier 809 provides a true window into a conflict that shaped the modern path of Argentina and the United Kingdom; a must read for serious military aviation enthusiasts and historians alike! * Dan Hampton *
A compelling narrative, brought to life through vivid personal accounts and told in the author's usual lucid style * Soldier *
White writes narrative history like a novelist ... a story of politics, invention, determination and courage. * Navy News *
You do get what's on the rather stylish tin; it is a pacy and thrilling read...Taken with his Vulcan 607, to which this book is essentially a sequel, Rowland White has written a fine popular history of the air war for the Falklands * The Times *
