Buccaneer Boys: True Tales by Those Who Flew the 'Last All-British Bomber' cover art

Buccaneer Boys: True Tales by Those Who Flew the 'Last All-British Bomber'

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Buccaneer Boys: True Tales by Those Who Flew the 'Last All-British Bomber'

By: Graham Pitchfork
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

Twenty-four aircrew who flew the iconic aircraft with the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Air Force, and the South African Air Force (SAAF) relate their experiences and affection for the Blackburn Buccaneer. Arranged in chronological order, the book traces the history of the aircraft and the tasks it fulfilled. In addition to describing events and activities, it provides an insight into the lifestyle of a Buccaneer squadron and the fun and enjoyment of being a "Buccaneer Boy" in addition to being part of a highly professional and dedicated force.

The introduction into service is fully described before further chapters cover the development of the air force's maritime tactics and the deployment of two squadrons to Germany in the overland strike role. Two chapters deal with the aircraft's stunning successes at the Red Flag and Maple Flag exercises flown in North America, which took the USAF hierarchy by storm. A further chapter is devoted to the intensive but little known Bush War operations by 24 SAAF Squadron on the borders of Angola.

Two USAF exchange officers who flew Buccaneers relate their experiences and the aircraft's deployment for the Lebanon crisis, and the reinforcement exercise to the Falkland Islands is examined. The introduction of new air-to-surface anti-ship missiles is covered before the Buccaneer left to go to war in the Gulf where it distinguished itself providing precision laser marking for the Tornado force, in addition to carrying out its own precision bombing attacks. This lavish book concludes with accounts of the aircraft's final days in RAF service and some reflections on its impact on maritime and overland air power.

©2013 Grub Street LTD (P)2015 Grub Street LTD
Air Forces Crafts & Hobbies Politics & Government Military US Air Force War Physical Exercise
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What listeners say about Buccaneer Boys: True Tales by Those Who Flew the 'Last All-British Bomber'

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Excellent history of a remarkable aircraft

I'm possibly a little biased, I grew up in the village where these aircraft were manufactured and would watch as they were driven out through the village on the back of a low loader on a Sunday morning.
An engrossing history of a truly wonderful aircraft.
If you are at all interested in a true British aircraft then this is a must.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A Bucc'n Good Collection of Memoirs

Never a pilot or a serviceman but brought up as a services (FAA) brat through the 70s, where the Buccaneer was treated with a reverence and affection not shared by any of its peers.
Like so many, my AEA Dad converted from fixed wing to rotary (with the demise of our big carriers) and many years later, on visiting the FAA Museum Yeovilton, witnessed him get quite emotional in front of the Buccaneer followed by his thrilling (typically humorous) accounts of exploits involving this and other aircraft of its era.
My childhood was an exciting time living in close proximity of these wonderful machines and still feel the hairs rise on the back of my neck when listening to the marvellous accounts from these lucky men in their awe inspiring flying machines!
My only negative comment, the narration could be a little mundane and I welcomed the break when the USAF accounts were performed in a different accent, nevertheless a good listen.

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Excellent!

The story of the Blackburn Bucanneers service in both the RAF and the FAA RN is brought to life by this book.
The accounts from flyers and navigators of their experiences in peace time and during conflicts is gripping from start to finish.
You will find it extremely difficult to put it down.

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Worth reading

A capable aircraft having been used in anger makes for an interesting read. It kept the reputation of the RAF high and rescued them from their (up till the arrival of the Buccaneer) dismal performance in the 1st Gulf War.

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Great for enthusiasts

Really enjoy these "boys" series of books a great insight into a life of awesomeness

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Brings back memories.

Oh what a ride the past came flooding back. Thank you for a fascinating book.

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If you like Rowland White books, you'll like this.

I'm fascinated with the different accounts of Military Aviation from the Cold War onwards. this detailed account of the Buccaneer Pilots is a great insight to a golden age. loved listening to it all.

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Terrible narrator

Great story, very badly read. Very disappointed after jarring such great audio books before this one was ravaged by the staccato reading style

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