V Force Boys

V Force Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher: Grub Street
Total Pages: 365
Release: 2017-09-11
Genre: History
ISBN: 1911621521

The V Force consisted of three four-jet bombers, the Valiant, the Vulcan and the Victor, all required as part of the nuclear deterrent in the Cold War following the end of the Second World War. The Valiant was less aerodynamically advanced than the other two and went into service in 1955. The Vulcan entered service in 1956 and the Victor a year later. The Valiant finished operating in 1965 and the Vulcan in 1984. The later Victors were converted into refueling tankers and carried on until 1993. V Force Boys contains a fascinating collection of previously unpublished stories by V Force ground and aircrew for all three V bombers. Among other highlights, the book includes a firsthand account of dropping the last UK H Bomb, a description of how all the aircraft navigated before the days of GPS, the training the crews received and an armorer’s account of how the nuclear weapons were moved with complete safety but not in the regimented way that might be expected. In addition there are chapters which tell of incidents that would not be found in the RAF historical annals but show how the vigilant guarding of the UK had its lighter moments. A must for all Vulcan, Victor and Valiant enthusiasts.

Victor Boys

Victor Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2013-03-01
Genre:
ISBN: 9781472600066

Vulcan Boys

Vulcan Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher: Grub Street Publishers
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2015-07-19
Genre: History
ISBN: 1910690880

An in-depth look at these Cold War–era bombers, in the words of those who flew them—includes photos. The Vulcan, the second of the three V bombers built to guard the United Kingdom during the Cold War, has become an aviation icon like the Spitfire, its delta shape as instantly recognizable as the howling noise it makes when the engines are opened for takeoff. Vulcan Boys is the first book about this bomber recounted completely firsthand by the operators themselves. It tells the story of the aircraft from its design conception through the Cold War, when it played out its most important job as Britain’s nuclear deterrent; it also reveals the significant role its bombs and missiles played in liberating the Falkland Islands, for which it gained much celebrity. These individual accounts detail how hours at a time were spent waiting to be scrambled to defend the country in the event of a third world war, and how pilots’ aggressive skills were honed by carrying out Lone Ranger sorties flying to the United States and westward around the world, and taking part in Giant Voice and Red Flag, competitive exercises against the US Strategic Air Command. The attacks in the Falklands using Shrike missiles are described accurately and in great detail for the first time, including the landing at Rio de Janeiro alongside a vivid account of Black Buck 2. Vulcan Boys is a fascinating and completely authentic read reminding us of the Cold War, how it was fought, and the considerable effort required to prevent all-out nuclear war.

Michigan vs. the Boys

Michigan vs. the Boys
Author: Carrie S. Allen
Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd
Total Pages: 308
Release: 2019-10-01
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN: 1525301489

Hockey meets the #MeToo movement in this powerful debut novel. Michigan Manning lives for hockey, and this is her year to shine. That is, until she gets some crushing news: budget cuts will keep the girls’ hockey team off the ice this year. If she wants colleges to notice her, Michigan has to find a way to play. Luckily, there’s still one team left in town … The boys’ team isn't exactly welcoming, but Michigan’s prepared to prove herself. She plays some of the best hockey of her life, in fact, all while putting up with changing in the broom closet, constant trash talk and “harmless” pranks that always seem to target her. But once hazing crosses the line into assault, Michigan must weigh the consequences of speaking up — even if it means putting her future on the line.

Valiant Boys

Valiant Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2015-04-19
Genre: History
ISBN: 1909808210

Following on from the success of Victor Boys and Vulcan Boys, Tony Blackman, in collaboration with Anthony Wright, brings you Valiant Boys to complete the V Force set. This is a fascinating collection of personal accounts of operating BritainÕs first V bomber by aircrew and ground crew. The book tells the story from the aircraftÕs birth taking off from VickersÕ tiny airfield at Wisley near Brooklands to its premature death from fatigue. There are tales of testing atom bombs in the Australian desert, dropping hydrogen bombs in the middle of the Pacific and, as a complete contrast, attacking airfields with conventional bombs in Egypt during the very brief and abortive Suez campaign. We are reminded of how the Valiant provided the UKÕs first nuclear deterrent by always having some armed aircraft on stand-by twenty-four hours a day, supported by their air and ground crews, ready to be flown at a momentÕs notice on a one-way trip to launch an atomic war. Some Valiants were given a photographic role providing accurate images from high altitude and were used not only to gather military intelligence but also to survey the UK and countries overseas. Others were developed into flight refueling tankers breaking point to point records before enabling BritainÕs fighter aircraft to be refueled and fly anywhere in the world. This book completes Tony BlackmanÕs trilogy of the three V bombers. As Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham makes it clear in his foreword: ÔIt is good to have a book written by aircrew and ground crew telling their stories and how they operated the aircraft so that all these things are recorded and not forgotten.Õ Not as well known as the Vulcan and Victor, the Valiant is often overlooked; this book will go a long way to redress the balance.

V Force Boys

V Force Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2022-11-30
Genre:
ISBN: 9781911667360

This book contains a fascinating collection of previously unpublished stories by V Force ground and aircrew for all three V bombers.

Nimrod Boys

Nimrod Boys
Author: Tony Blackman
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
Total Pages: 454
Release: 2019-08-19
Genre: History
ISBN: 1911621793

The test pilot and author of Nimrod Rise and Fall shares a collection of over twenty tales from the cockpit of Nimrod aircraft during the Cold War. As the first jet-powered maritime aircraft, the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod could reach critical points for rescues or for operational requirements in rapid time. Its outstanding navigation and electronics systems also allowed the Nimrod to be a first-class machine in antisubmarine warfare. In Nimrod Boys, author and pilot Tony Blackman offers vivid, firsthand accounts of the Nimrod’s UK-based and worldwide operations. The stories in this volume range from the Nimrod’s role during the Falklands Campaign and the First Gulf War to more recent anti-drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean. There are also descriptions of the Nimrod’s achievements in the International Fincastle Competition—where Royal Air Force squadrons competed against counterparts from Australia, Canada and New Zealand. With a variety of perspectives on Nimrod crew life, including from a female air electronic operator, readers will find dramatic, engaging and occasionally humorous stories. One flight test observer also reflects on the canceled Nimrod MR4 project.

Girls V Boys

Girls V Boys
Author: Ryan Woodwind Wan
Publisher: Ryan Woodwind Wan
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2024-03-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

Rayne, a girl seeking adventure, meets the Tracker, a boy out for redemption. When a new evil rises to steal the most powerful weapon in the universe, the unlikely duo must hunt down this foe. Either by challenging each other or teaming up together. As the two learn more about one another, will their feelings develop and lead to a confession, or will they tread separate paths? Or worse- become lifelong enemies? Enter their worlds filled with danger and chaos at every turn. Choose your side, play their matches, and uncover three different endings in the battle of a lifetime- Girls V Boys!

Javelin Boys

Javelin Boys
Author: Steve Bond
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
Total Pages: 335
Release: 2017-10-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1911621580

This Royal Air Force history examines a revolutionary Cold War era aircraft with firsthand accounts from veterans who flew them all over the world. The Gloster Javelin, an all-weather interceptor aircraft, was the UK’s first line of air defense in the 1950s and 1960s, both at home and in Royal Air Force Germany. With an unorthodox aerodynamic design, the Javelin had major production issues early on—including a tendency for engines to self-destruct under certain conditions. But the revolutionary aircraft still receives much affection from its former crew. Some of their most thrilling, fascinating and colorful stories are collected here in terrific detail. Starting from the first deliveries of Javelins in 1956 until the final withdrawal from RAF squadron use in 1968, Javelin Boys describes adventures all over the world—from Cyprus to Singapore during the Indonesian Confrontation and Zambia during the Rhodesian declaration of UDI. Alongside their anecdotes is a detailed history of this unusual aircraft, accompanied by photography never seen before in print.

For the Love of the Air Force

For the Love of the Air Force
Author: Norman Ferguson
Publisher: Summersdale
Total Pages: 159
Release: 2017-09-14
Genre: History
ISBN: 1786854147

This miscellany brings together the history of the RAF, the people, the aviation lingo and time-honoured traditions of the force we know today. Whether you have RAF experience or you’re an enthusiastic supporter from the ground, this remarkable volume will be your guide to the oldest independent air force in the world. Chocks away!