- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd; reprint edition (Oct 1992)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0850523052
- ISBN-13: 978-0850523058
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.3 x 3.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
136,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in Books > History > Britain & Ireland > Falklands War
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"the definitive account of the battle above the South Atlantic islands" (Navy News )
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
Sharkey Ward commanded 801 Naval Air Squadron, "HMS Invincible", during the Falkland War of April to June 1982, and was senior Sea Harrier adviser to the command on the tactics, direction and progress of the air war. He flew over 60 war missions, achieved three air-to air kills, and took part in or witnessed a total of ten kills; he was also the leading night pilot, and was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry. But what, after all, could 20 Sea Harriers, operating from a flight-deck bucketing about in the South Atlantic, do against more than 200 Argentine military aircraft flown by pilots who, as the raids against the British shipping proved, displayed enormous skill and almost suicidal gallantry? The world knows the answer - now. What is puzzling, therefore, is this book's truthful depiction of the attitudes of some senior non-flying naval officers, and of the RAF, towards the men (and indeed the machine) that made possible the victory in the Falklands. This first-hand account charts, in detail, the naval pilots' journey to the South Atlantic, and how they took on and triumphantly conquered the challenges they faced. It is a dramatic story, leavened with accounts of the air-to-air fighting and of life in a squadron at sea and on a war footing. But it is also a tale of inter-Service rivalry, bureaucratic interference, and the less-than-generous attitudes of a number of senior commanders who should certainly have known better; indeed, some of them might even have lost the war through a lack of understanding of air warfare. The author attempts to put the record straight.
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First Sentence
It was 1982 and the new year had dawned, the stormy sea and sky were painted warship grey by day, and the outside air temperature was low enough to freeze the proverbials off a monkey. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
It was 1982 and the new year had dawned, the stormy sea and sky were painted warship grey by day, and the outside air temperature was low enough to freeze the proverbials off a monkey. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book years ago and I dont agree with some other reviews slating Sharkey Ward for being arrogant and spoiling the book. This book is about the Sea Harrier, its operations in the Falklands war and the views of the man known as "Mr Sea Harrier". What you get is interesting insight into the development of this marvellous aircraft, the preparations undergone by pilots sailing to the Falklands, air operations during the war and the immediate aftermath. This a warts and all kind of a book. The behaviour of some parties was not up to scratch and the author makes no bones about it but does support opinions with facts. Was it right to think of court martialling a pilot for being shot down by a SAM? Was it right to have the air patrols at 10-15,000ft when attack aircraft were coming in on the deck? Was the RAF determined not to be "left out"? Sharkey gives his views on these. This book is great - you feel your are sat with this great fighter pilot listening to him talk. It is clearly his view on that aircraft in that war.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I served at RNAS Yeovilton where Cdr Ward was based with 801sqn. He had assumed almost legendary status even prior to the publication of this book. It was very apparent that if you wished to learn about the role of the SHAR his was the voice to listen to. This book is the voice of reason in an otherwise politically correct world. As a fighter pilot you HAVE to tell it as it is. This book does just that warts and all. A must read for any student of the Falklands war or modern air warfare.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I couldn't put this down! It is a great read. Sharkey puts his spirit and his passion into this book, as he must have done into his flying and fighting.
He delivers some great knocking copy against the RAF, so I bought Vulcan 607 too in the interests of balance. Sharkey goes to some length to knock the RAF's efforts in the Falklands - the Vulcan raids used up so much fuel to very little effect, but he does miss the point that the RAF's mission was as political and strategic as well as military. Also, he appears to have felt that the Royal Navy, the FAA, and the Sea Harrier didn't get enough respect before during and after the war. I hope that isn't true. From what I recall, the Navy played the major role, the Harrier was highly vaunted and the sailors and airmen regarded as heroes, and rightly so.
This book isn't pure history, but an excellent memoir from a true fighter pilot hero. Nice one Sharkey, and thank you for all you have done for you Country.
He delivers some great knocking copy against the RAF, so I bought Vulcan 607 too in the interests of balance. Sharkey goes to some length to knock the RAF's efforts in the Falklands - the Vulcan raids used up so much fuel to very little effect, but he does miss the point that the RAF's mission was as political and strategic as well as military. Also, he appears to have felt that the Royal Navy, the FAA, and the Sea Harrier didn't get enough respect before during and after the war. I hope that isn't true. From what I recall, the Navy played the major role, the Harrier was highly vaunted and the sailors and airmen regarded as heroes, and rightly so.
This book isn't pure history, but an excellent memoir from a true fighter pilot hero. Nice one Sharkey, and thank you for all you have done for you Country.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A good read
This book is a good read. It's not a work of literature, though. I can remember following the conflict, yet most of the details in this book are a complete revelation. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mark Bamford
Sea Harrier over the Falklands
This book is a good summary of one of the many points of view surrounding the somewhat controversial Falklands war. Read more
Published 4 months ago by F. Meadenkendrick
Great story.
I did not realise how much I didn't know about the air operations over the Falklands until I read this book. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Griff
sea harrier over the falklands
I loved this book and have the greatest respect for Nigel Ward. I didn't like the way in which he was treated by the RAF after the war. Read more
Published 7 months ago by farooq ansari
Ron McGuffie
One of the best narratives of a Fighter and its Pilot S. Ward. His dealings with Commanders and the great navigation set up in this revolutionary Aircraft,... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Ron McGuffie
Ripping good yarn
I couldn't put this book down, great read and very well written. Sharkey is outspoken which makes this even more fun, he pulls no punches about what he thinks about the command on... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tim Addison
Get the updated edition
Interesting book but really needs to be read with an open mind - most people at the top of their game are idiots in most other respects, and Ward comes across no differently here. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Rory Mcgregor
Best book ever
Best book i've red. if your in to aviation then this is a must read. theres a lot in it that i never new about the falklands war.
Published 13 months ago by Maxwell Bartrop
The Pity of War
God, I hated this book. It's problematic. On the one hand it's a truthful account of a man's experiences as a Sea Harrier pilot during the Falklands War, and I have no doubt the... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mr. A. Pomeroy
The truth the whole truth, as it should be told, of the war in the...
A very moving account of one man's battle against the forces of the enemy at sea, and air around the Falklands. And the gross stupidity of the Royal Navy Senior Staff Officers. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Chaddy1
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