An interesting perspective on the role of the Harrier and the inter-ship difficulties experienced during the conflict. I would love the hear the other side of the story and why one squadron managed to get better results from Sea Owl. A Gung-Ho read.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Well packed, good comms, ok item
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This account of the fixed wing air battle in the South Atlantic during the Falklands conflict somehow manages to marry the technically rich accounts that one expects from the very best contemporary military historians (Keegan, Beevor, Hastings et al) with the gripping urgency of a good Len Deighton or John Le Carre. This is wholly attributable to the breadth and depth of the experience of the author, Commander Nigel 'Sharkey' Ward who, as one of the earliest Fleet Air Arm pilots to become acquainted with the fighter jet that quickly became known to all who worked on her, in her and with her as 'the SHAR', who arguably invested more in exploring the performance possibilities offered up by this truly unique aircraft, as well as bringing to maturity her advanced avionics and learning how to best mitigate the challenges the SHAR posed to those who flew her, and who then both commanded 801 Squadron (effectively one half of the SHAR compliment for the entirety of the campaign) as well as undertaking more than his share of operational duties (as evidenced by his three kills and the award of the DFC), probably knew more about the development, technical specification, capability and operational history of a single decisive weapon in a single campaign than any other individual in twentieth century combat, and perhaps in the history of combat. Moreover, his candid account of the opposition he faced from those who ought to have been working in partnership with him (but instead chose to clothe their inability and unwillingness to truly understand this marvellous aircraft with a range of specious excuses) and his pared down approach to telling his story give an already compelling account a deliciously personal dimension and an urgency and pace that even the best military historians find difficult to balance with the weight of technical detail that must necessarily feature in such an account. Only the documentaries by the late, great Richard Holmes strike such a balance, and this work bests those on account of the far drier medium in which it is communicated. An outstanding account.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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