Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line
Have you read stories of ‘derring-do’ from former operational aircrew and been left wondering what went on in the hangars and on the airfields, as those aircraft were serviced and prepared for flight? In this edition of the Boys series, you’ll discover the true stories of life on the flight line, written by those who served. Some of them are humorous, some are thought provoking but for sure the reader will be engrossed. Twenty engineers, some former groundcrew, some engineering officers but including enthusiastic aircraft restorers, recall stories of incidents around the world, about aircraft as diverse as the Phantom, the Shackleton and the Sea Harrier. Although some of the stories reflect on incidents where things went wrong, and are told in a typically ribald manner, the dedication and professionalism of the people who serviced these front-line aircraft could never be in doubt. The men and women of the British armed forces rank amongst the best in the world. It will also be apparent that their love did not end with retirement and many of the groundcrew went on to work for companies designing the next generation of aircraft. Some dedicate their spare time to restoring their former war machines so that future generations will enjoy their heritage. The stories are collated and set in context by aviation author David Gledhill and are illustrated with photographs, many from the groundcrew themselves and previously unpublished. A must for all aficionados of the Boys series.
1136490882
Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line
Have you read stories of ‘derring-do’ from former operational aircrew and been left wondering what went on in the hangars and on the airfields, as those aircraft were serviced and prepared for flight? In this edition of the Boys series, you’ll discover the true stories of life on the flight line, written by those who served. Some of them are humorous, some are thought provoking but for sure the reader will be engrossed. Twenty engineers, some former groundcrew, some engineering officers but including enthusiastic aircraft restorers, recall stories of incidents around the world, about aircraft as diverse as the Phantom, the Shackleton and the Sea Harrier. Although some of the stories reflect on incidents where things went wrong, and are told in a typically ribald manner, the dedication and professionalism of the people who serviced these front-line aircraft could never be in doubt. The men and women of the British armed forces rank amongst the best in the world. It will also be apparent that their love did not end with retirement and many of the groundcrew went on to work for companies designing the next generation of aircraft. Some dedicate their spare time to restoring their former war machines so that future generations will enjoy their heritage. The stories are collated and set in context by aviation author David Gledhill and are illustrated with photographs, many from the groundcrew themselves and previously unpublished. A must for all aficionados of the Boys series.
32.95 In Stock
Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line

Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line

by David Gledhill
Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line

Groundcrew Boys: True Engineering Stories from the Cold War Front Line

by David Gledhill

Hardcover

$32.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Have you read stories of ‘derring-do’ from former operational aircrew and been left wondering what went on in the hangars and on the airfields, as those aircraft were serviced and prepared for flight? In this edition of the Boys series, you’ll discover the true stories of life on the flight line, written by those who served. Some of them are humorous, some are thought provoking but for sure the reader will be engrossed. Twenty engineers, some former groundcrew, some engineering officers but including enthusiastic aircraft restorers, recall stories of incidents around the world, about aircraft as diverse as the Phantom, the Shackleton and the Sea Harrier. Although some of the stories reflect on incidents where things went wrong, and are told in a typically ribald manner, the dedication and professionalism of the people who serviced these front-line aircraft could never be in doubt. The men and women of the British armed forces rank amongst the best in the world. It will also be apparent that their love did not end with retirement and many of the groundcrew went on to work for companies designing the next generation of aircraft. Some dedicate their spare time to restoring their former war machines so that future generations will enjoy their heritage. The stories are collated and set in context by aviation author David Gledhill and are illustrated with photographs, many from the groundcrew themselves and previously unpublished. A must for all aficionados of the Boys series.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781911667025
Publisher: Grub Street
Publication date: 10/22/2021
Pages: 192
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Gledhill joined the Royal Air Force as a Navigator in 1973. After training, he flew the F4 Phantom on squadrons in the UK and West Germany. He was one of the first aircrew members to fly the F2 and F3 Air Defence Variant of the Tornado on its acceptance into service and served for many years as an instructor on the Operational Conversion Units of both the Phantom and the Tornado. He commanded the Tornado Fighter Flight in the Falkland Islands and has worked extensively with the Armed Forces of most NATO nations. He has published a number of factual books on aviation topics and novels in the Phantom Air Combat series set during the Cold War.

Table of Contents

In memoriam 7

Foreword 8

Introduction 11

The Squadron Hierarchy 14

Chapter 1 The Tornado with the Purple Heart 16

Chapter 2 Life in the Persian Gulf 28

Chapter 3 Building the Impossible 35

Chapter 4 Life in the V-Force 45

Chapter 5 Is this the RAF's idea of a Mystery Tour? 59

Chapter 6 Ice Station Lossiemouth 64

Chapter 7 God's Little Aerodrome 74

Chapter 8 Not Such a Nice Day in an MRCA-Sweeping the Wings the Hard Way 89

Chapter 9 The Dead Cat in Gibraltar or Death on the Rock II 99

Chapter 10 HMS Ark Royal-the Last Farewell 107

Chapter 11 Tornado Aircraft Servicing Flight on Operations 117

Chapter 12 Gas, Gas, Gas 127

Chapter 13 Life at Binbrook 136

Chapter 14 It Shouldn't Happen to an Engineering Officer 148

Chapter 15 My First Backseat Trip: Being in the Right Place at the Right Time 160

Chapter 16 The Reds and Beyond 170

Chapter 17 The Mighty Phantom 185

Chapter 18 The Tank Trap 198

Chapter 19 Winging It 206

Appendix 219

Glossary 220

Index 222

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews