Experiences and Anedcotes

Volume 1 covers the introductions of the Harrier into service, the development of the type through the GR.3 and 5 versions and of course the Falkland campaign.

It's composed of different pilots (and one ground crew) relating their experiences of training for, flying, fighting and living as Harrier pilots. The books gives about half of the time over to the RAF version and their histories, the remainder covers the Fleet Air Arm, US Marine exchanges, initial development and the crew and senior officer view points.

By it's nature it doesn't have a strong narrative structure, but it does work well and where individuals contributions cross over, (self) editing is highlighted and the reader is aware of where the content exists later in the book.

I'd recommend this to anybody with more than a passing interest in the Harrier, RAF forward operations in Germany during the cold war or anybody who is interested in the development of new aircraft and their entry into service. It's number of contributors and the vast scope of the Harrier's operational life in the RAF ensure that it is a lively and interesting read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Excellent !

Roger Davis' narrates in a listenable style. Fascinating story with many insights to the Harrier

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

great for casual interest and serious harrier fans

narration was excellent. good interestingly told anecdotes about the pilots and the aircraft itself. i was a little confused as to whose story was being told at points.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Exciting

loved this story and the boys series,well read and an very exciting story,would recommend to any body

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

'RAF' Harrier Boys

Any additional comments?

Surprisingly modest and interesting tales of RAF Harrier ops. Not one Royal Navy perspective which is a shame as they did most of the real operations (Belize doesn't count). However despite the usual rather chippy 'How 1 Squadron won the Falklands' tales, most of the book is well worth a listen. By the way GR stands for ground reconnaisance. F? Hmmmmm

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

A collection of inside stories well told

A very good account of the Harrier in its early days through to the Falklands. Some excellent personal accounts and a must for anyone interested in this unique aircraft and its operational history.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Enjoyable light read

An enjoyable history of the Harrier from those who flew and serviced it. Sad to hear of the deaths and accident’s as they got to grips with the new concept.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

great way to learn

the idea that the harrier was just a instrument of war is totally transformed to a tough outstanding British jet. the way you find out so much about not just about the pilots did but all the people surrounding this way of life is amazing. hearing from so many different people but not told the same information over and over is a credit to the editor and the writer. if you like this book I highly recommend harrier 807

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great stories of the Jump Jet

The solo narrator lets this down. So many different pilots and crews stories with just the one narrator making no effort whatsoever to change the tone or style of what I assume is just his usual voice makes it hard work.
I am currently listening to volume 2 as how we managed to keep any Harrier flying when faced with either no parts wrong parts or a large amount of alcohol is worth the listen on its own. Still recommend it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Great listen!

Highly recommended. A good mix of funny, informative and interesting stories from over the years.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!