Phantom Boys
 

I just saw an ad for a new book 'Phantom Boys' apparently following on from a series of books I must admit I haven't heard of, Lightning Boys, Hunter Boys and, as I browsed around Valiant Boys and Jaguar Boys. I guess if there's one on the Tornado it'd have to be Tornado Boys and Girls but I digress.

Aha I thought, this looks interesting, punchy cover painting of a pair of grey green 23 Sqn F4s at low level in grobbly weather 'true tales from UK operators of the F4....' released 1 Jun in hardback, looks it might be worth a read, order now to get your copy on release.

Then I read the blurb which states that the F4 was used by US demonstration teams Navy Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thundercats.

Kind of puts me off rushing to order a copy, I think I'll wait for a review or two.

Jaguar Boys
 

I'm currently reading Jaguar Boys, I have Buccaneer Boys on the shelf for the near future.

The content of these books is the experiences of the people who flew them and worked on them. They are a thoroughly good read as the perspective is very much from the cockpit - there is a glossary to support the novice and to remind more learned.

Thank you for advising me of the next title, awaiting with interest. Very good armchair read, so go treat yourselves.

There are quite a few more books in the series; see the publisher Grub Street's website for more details. Phantom Boys is by the same author as some of the other books, but there are several authors, and each book is a compilation of pieces by people associated with that aircraft. Thus, the tone and quality can vary. However, I have enjoyed the ones I've read so far.:)

Best book about the F4 I ever read from a pilot's view was Bob Prest's but can I hellers find a copy now.

Of course the best by a nav is by Dave Gledhill...:)

thing, try or search for ISBN 0 304 30311 9.

I'm not sure I can forgive Bob for describing the Hunter as 'an ageing lady no longer beautiful but still unique...'

Thanks Beag, it wasn't on there last time I looked.

Beags is correct, I've just found a copy on Amazon (on some associated bookstore) for £1.83, however a new one will set you back £249.00!!

I understand that 'Harrier Boys' is also due on the book shelves later this year:ok:

It's OK, Compass Call. Most of the Harrier Boys have been on the shelf for years.

And there is the book about the boys of the Big Cat!

Visited Cosford the other day. Hunter (on the grass, as you enter). Still unique. Still beautiful! (no F4 though; will have to pay another visit to Duxford, or Hendon sometime....:ok:)

Harrier boys, Volume 1
 

This was launched at IWM Duxford over the weekend, with a lot of former high ranking Harrier pilots there very willing to have a chat and sign your books (including the author).

I did ask whether it was true that Harrier pilots were the 'crème de la creme' of the pilots going through the training system, or was that just something Harrier pilots tell you :}

The author did say that this was true, and had a chapter in Volume two of this tome written by 'a former air defender' to say this was the case ;) ;)

Not read much yet, but very pleasant chaps they were, and very happy to have a chat

TO

Try Buccaneer Boys if you want an insightful book filled with amusing and raucous events!


Bloggs:D

Don't look up Lancaster Boys...went to a website that set off my Internet filter!!! :eek::eek::eek:

'Nimrod Boys' would be an interesting read....

Phantom Boys
 

'Meteor Boys' is coming next year....