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  • Harrier Boys, Volume 1

  • From the Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990
  • By: Robert Marston
  • Narrated by: Roger Davis
  • Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (111 ratings)
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Harrier Boys, Volume 1 cover art

Harrier Boys, Volume 1

By: Robert Marston
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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Summary

In Harrier Boys, Volume One: Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990, Robert Marston, who flew Harriers for many years, draws together accounts from others who worked with this unique jet through its history. The excitement, camaraderie, and pride of Harrier operators shine through in the personal stories of those whose lives were changed by their experience of this iconic aircraft, both on land and at sea. In this first volume, events of the Cold War years are brought to life by contributors including Graham Williams, who flew the Transatlantic Air Race, Peter Dodworth, a member of the original Harrier Conversion Team, Peter Harris, a participant in the early defense of Belize, Sir Peter Squire, OC 1 (F) Squadron during the Falklands conflict, and Australian Dave Baddams, who commanded the Royal Navy Sea Harriers of 800 Squadron.

©2013 Grub Street (P)2016 Grub Street

What listeners say about Harrier Boys, Volume 1

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Experiences and Anedcotes

Volume 1 covers the introductions of the Harrier into service, the development of the type through the GR.3 and 5 versions and of course the Falkland campaign.

It's composed of different pilots (and one ground crew) relating their experiences of training for, flying, fighting and living as Harrier pilots. The books gives about half of the time over to the RAF version and their histories, the remainder covers the Fleet Air Arm, US Marine exchanges, initial development and the crew and senior officer view points.

By it's nature it doesn't have a strong narrative structure, but it does work well and where individuals contributions cross over, (self) editing is highlighted and the reader is aware of where the content exists later in the book.

I'd recommend this to anybody with more than a passing interest in the Harrier, RAF forward operations in Germany during the cold war or anybody who is interested in the development of new aircraft and their entry into service. It's number of contributors and the vast scope of the Harrier's operational life in the RAF ensure that it is a lively and interesting read.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great for casual interest and serious harrier fans

narration was excellent. good interestingly told anecdotes about the pilots and the aircraft itself. i was a little confused as to whose story was being told at points.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

'RAF' Harrier Boys

Any additional comments?

Surprisingly modest and interesting tales of RAF Harrier ops. Not one Royal Navy perspective which is a shame as they did most of the real operations (Belize doesn't count). However despite the usual rather chippy 'How 1 Squadron won the Falklands' tales, most of the book is well worth a listen. By the way GR stands for ground reconnaisance. F? Hmmmmm

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable light read

An enjoyable history of the Harrier from those who flew and serviced it. Sad to hear of the deaths and accident’s as they got to grips with the new concept.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen!

Highly recommended. A good mix of funny, informative and interesting stories from over the years.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great stories of the Jump Jet

The solo narrator lets this down. So many different pilots and crews stories with just the one narrator making no effort whatsoever to change the tone or style of what I assume is just his usual voice makes it hard work.
I am currently listening to volume 2 as how we managed to keep any Harrier flying when faced with either no parts wrong parts or a large amount of alcohol is worth the listen on its own. Still recommend it.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Informative but quite droany and boring

Good to go to sleep bangs on a lot about facts and figures 2 words remain

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent !

Roger Davis' narrates in a listenable style. Fascinating story with many insights to the Harrier

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The narrator murdered it. Undulating tone. Annoying

I could have really enjoyed this book had I been reading it. The narrator, Roger Davis, has absolutely killed it. His tone undulates in a repetitive way which is completely unconnected to the emotion of the story. At first I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t pulling me in l, then I realised it was because of his dull narration. At first it sounds plausible even good as he does have command in his voice, but after a while you realise it’s just oscillating up and down, becoming more powerful then less powerful like the beat of a drum, not connected with the story.
Waste of a credit.
Buy the book but avoid the audible copy.
Thanks

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Harrier buffs will enjoy it

I wanted to enjoy this one but struggled with it. The narration whilst clear and read with skill is hard work. The detail lacks something, and it’s a difficult book to engage with. I have had my Harrier itch scratched by this one. My hats off to the individuals featured on this book, fantastic group of group of individuals.

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