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

Can be hard to follow at times

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

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.

Great book

This book was well written and a great narration. Had never heard a more comprehensive account of the Falklands air war. Five stars.

Love the story

This is a story about a small battle, but the story is written to make it sound like a world war. I love the details. I love those characters. I love everything about the story.

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.

It will make the palms of your hands sweat!

It is rare that a book will keep you on the edge of your seat, but this is one of them! Well written, with great detail, and perfectly balanced between being in the cockpit with the Harrier pilots and the overall story of the Falklands War. I would encourage anyone who likes this book to also get the companion book Vulcan 607

Great book!

I have read a couple books about Falklands, and the, I found this one just awesome, with a lot of details I didn't know previously included, in a very enjoyable way. Surely, some people of certain South American country would feel apprehensive of hearing it, but trust me, you will very proud about the stories of heroism of their pilots.

Informative and a good listen

Only other book I read about the Falklands war was about the Vulcan bomber involvement. this description of the tactical use of the Harriet's and the combat they flew was an interesting perspective. seeing how the Harriet's fit into the bigger picture of the British taskforce defense was an important and valuable point of emphasis in the narative.

Great story that needed to be told.

I was a year out of high school when the Falklands war occurred, and later I flew with Falkland Island Governor Rex Hunt’s son in the USA as a flight instructor. Tony Hunt had some good stories of how their house was shot up a bit in the initial invasion by the Argentines, but I have never read extensively on the war. The air war was always something I was most curious about, and this book goes into great, well researched, and highly readable details about the air/sea war, along with all of the pieces that had to come together in short order to make it a success for the Brits. Highly recommended for history buffs, and especially for those with a soft spot for the Sea Harrier.