Harrier 809
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  • Published: 15 October 2020
  • ISBN: 9781473579378
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 14 hr 49 min
  • Narrator: Roy McMillan
  • RRP: $24.99

Harrier 809

Britain’s Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War

Formats & editions
Paperback
31 Aug 2021
EBook
15 Oct 2020
Audiobook
15 Oct 2020
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The untold story of the Falklands War told through the exploits of the iconic 809 Squadron

Brought to you by Penguin.

"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."
JOHN NICHOL, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SPITFIRE

When the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in April 1982, Britain’s immediate response was to send a task force. But behind the pomp and bravado of its departure, a sober reality lurked. A mere 20 Sea Harriers operating from two aircraft carriers would take on the might of the Argentine air force, some 200 planes strong. The MOD estimated that within four days and against such formidable air power, half the harriers would likely be lost.

To reinforce that meagre force, and in just three weeks, the Navy formed, trained and equipped a brand new squadron from scratch. Not since the Second World War had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots. Their home would be a container ship converted into a makeshift carrier. 809 Naval Air Squadron was born.

Other covert operations mounted by MI6 and the SAS in Latin America would provide vital intelligence to protect the task force from attack but in the vanguard of the conflict it would be the Sea Harriers of the 809 whose heroics in the South Atlantic which would become legendary.

With characteristic insider knowledge and in thrilling detail, Rowland White tells the story of those amazing exploits - the dogfights, the twenty-three kills, the deadly Exocet attacks, the ejections – demonstrating just why the Harrier is mentioned in the same breath as the Spitfire, the Lancaster and the Vulcan and is destined to join them in the ranks of our most celebrated aeronautical achievements.

© Rowland White 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020
  • Published: 15 October 2020
  • ISBN: 9781473579378
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 14 hr 49 min
  • Narrator: Roy McMillan
  • RRP: $24.99
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About the author

Rowland White

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

portrait photo of Rowland White

Also by Rowland White

Mosquito
Into the Black
SAS: Storm Front
Phoenix Squadron
Vulcan 607
See all

Praise for Harrier 809

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.

JOHN NICHOL, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SPITFIRE

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

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