Harrier 809

The Epic Story of How a Small Band of Heroes Won Victory in the Air Against Impossible Odds

By: Rowland White

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

April 1982. Argentina invades the Falkland Islands.

In response, Britain dispatches a naval Task Force. Eight thousand miles from home, its fate hinges on just 20 Sea Harrier fighters against the 200-strong might of the Argentine Air Force.

The odds against them are overwhelming.

British Defense Chiefs' own estimates suggest that half the Harriers will be lost within a week. Against this background, 809 Naval Air Squadron is reformed, trained and sent south to fight.

Not since WWII had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots....

Combining groundbreaking research with the pace of a thriller, Rowland White reveals the full story of the fleet's knife-edge fight for survival for the first time, and shows how the little jump jet went from airshow novelty to writing its name in aviation legend. And of how a small band of heroes won victory against impossible odds.

©2020 Rowland White (P)2021 Tantor

A Chronicle of Naval Air Ops in the Falklands War

Provides a meticulous and engaging story of the logistical, aeronautical, naval & human/psychological aspects of the Falklands War. Focuses on the UK viewpoint, but also includes Argentinian perspectives. Highly valuable insights into this important and forgotten 1982 war. A couple criticisms -- excessive aeronautical detail and a perplexing, bouncing timeline in the storytelling. Also some oddly awkward Spanish pronunciations. Yet overall the narration was excellent, and the writer's play-by-play unfolding of the war intriguing.

Fast paced thriller

Rowland White’s Harrier 809 reads like a movie. It’s fast paced to such a degree that the reader feels present in one if the most perilous wars of the 20th century. The Falklands War never got the attention it deserved. Here’s to hoping that changes. This book should be one that helps change all perceptions. Wonderful narration by Roy McMillan.

Superb! Reads like a novel

Great account of Sqn 809 and of the efforts to gain air superiority on both sides.

If you’re not familiar with the Falkland campaign a companion book might help, as this is strictly focused on the air war and the Harriers and pilots of 809.

If you love aviation history you can’t miss this one.

Great story, great narration, I finished it in a week listening to it every chance I got.

Can be hard to follow at times

Jumps from one character to another without context and can be hard to follow at times

Riveting read

Outstanding story with a level of technical detail just right to keep attention and keeps the story moving.