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Preview
  • Harrier Boys, Volume 1

  • From the Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990
  • By: Robert Marston
  • Narrated by: Roger Davis
  • Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (116 ratings)

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Harrier Boys, Volume 1

By: Robert Marston
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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Summary

In Harrier Boys, Volume One: Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990, Robert Marston, who flew Harriers for many years, draws together accounts from others who worked with this unique jet through its history. The excitement, camaraderie, and pride of Harrier operators shine through in the personal stories of those whose lives were changed by their experience of this iconic aircraft, both on land and at sea. In this first volume, events of the Cold War years are brought to life by contributors including Graham Williams, who flew the Transatlantic Air Race, Peter Dodworth, a member of the original Harrier Conversion Team, Peter Harris, a participant in the early defense of Belize, Sir Peter Squire, OC 1 (F) Squadron during the Falklands conflict, and Australian Dave Baddams, who commanded the Royal Navy Sea Harriers of 800 Squadron.

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What listeners say about Harrier Boys, Volume 1

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent !

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exciting

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

'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

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great listen!

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

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