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

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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. This lavishly illustrated 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. AUTHOR: Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork spent thirty-six years in the RAF, as a navigator. He was Director of Air Warfare and, before retiring in 1995, was a Director of Military Intelligence at the MoD. Now living in Gloucestershire, Graham is the author of several aviation books, including The Sowreys and Forever Vigilant (Grub Street). In 2012 Graham received both the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Award for Aviation Journalism and the Air Power Association Award of the CP Robertson Memorial Trophy for his services to aviation writing.

Reviews

`This wonderful book is entertaining and thoroughly engaging. The quality speaks for itself and I have no hesitation in recommending it to you.' War History Online; `An absorbing book... well illustrated throughout.' Flypast; `Comprehensively illustrated, and filled with outstanding tales of the excitement of Buccaneer flying in both peacetime and war. Buccaneer Boys is an excellent read. For those who served during the 60s to 90s Cold War period, it is a must. For anyone with an interest in aviation, it is a most enjoyable book. Air Mail; `An excellent insight into the aircraft and those who flew it.' Britain at War; `The descriptions of flying activities and incidents are vivid, some of the anecdotes are laugh-out-loud amusing and references to that sense of `community' and a real affection for the aeroplane just keep cropping up. I strongly recommend this book. It's a very good and entertaining read.' RAF Historical Society Journal; `This book takes pride of place on the shelf at home and no doubt will be read again and again and not be left on the shelf too often - Recommended.' Vintage & Classic; It's a very pacey and painlessly readable, often exciting, and sometimes poignant assemblage of reminiscences from "Buccaneer world"...In affecting and arresting style this recent publication conveys why the Buccaneer meant so much to its crews and engendered such persistent esprit de corps in their "club".' Derek Reed, Vice President of Yorkshire Air Museum

Author Bio

Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork spent thirty-six years in the RAF, as a navigator.. He was Director of Air Warfare and, before retiring in 1995, was a Director of Military Intelligence at the MoD. Now living in Gloucestershire, Graham is the author of several aviation books, including The Sowreys and Forever Vigilant (Grub Street). In 2012 Graham received both the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Award for Aviation Journalism and the Air Power Association Award of the CP Robertson Memorial Trophy for his services to aviation writing.