Centuries of operating in a semi-closed and unique society has led the Senior Service to evolve its own language. The enormous scale and longevity of our Royal Navy inevitably led to this language spilling out of military confines and into general parlance. Now there are innumerable phrases in common use everyday where the original meaning and origin are lost to those who use them.

A fascinating book for anyone interested in the either the Royal Navy or the development of our mother tongue. Read it and be amused, surprised and fascinated.

Hardback.

Steve Bond is back with the final volume in this popular series. Unlike his previous three tomes, with their focus on air/rotorcraft, this book is uniquely dedicated to the personnel of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) themselves. Each chapter will concentrate on the memories of contributors who served in a range of roles, including those below the flight deck. Accounts will focus on the everyday life upon an aircraft carrier as well as the extraordinary challenges faced during operations. There is a fascinating chapter covering exchange services with the RAF and other navies including the French and US; and also insight into the Indian navy’s experience with the Sea Hawk and Sea Harrier.

Within the previous volumes, we met some remarkable characters and there is a chapter devoted to people’s memories of them. The closing section entitled ‘Thoughts’ sees contributors reflect on their FAA career with many deeply moving responses and discourses on the future of the service.

The book is heavily illustrated throughout in colour and black and white with personal photographs from the contributors, artwork and tongue-in-cheek cartoons for which the FAA is famous. Volume Four is the perfect conclusion to the ongoing post-war story of a truly astounding branch of the armed forces.

Signatories.

Pls note that, owing to the nature of the event, we cannot guarantee that all books will be signed by all signatories.

Co-authors Steve and Heather Bond and John Davies (Grubstreet Publishing)

Some recent reviews...

“I have to say this is very much the best, ‘leaving the finest to last’ has a Biblical provenance. The inclusion of many of the ‘non-flyers’ is excellent.” 

William Nicol-Gent 

“As I scanned through the pages, my eye caught sight of Jane Cole-Hamilton's - A Pilot's Wife - and I had to stop and read it. From that alone, your book is a winner with me.” 

Mel Evans 

“Ah, those were the days! A great read."

Mike Turner

“I've enjoyed all the books in the series and I found Vol.4 a particularly thought provoking read. The more action events featured in the earlier books were lapped up by me. I never tire of reading about other flyers experiences and adventures. Interesting, too, to hear the stories from ground crews and maintainers. Vol.4 was more reflective in character and reminded me of a few more sober moments experienced in my eight years in.”

Tony Wilson

 “All four books in Steve Bond's Fleet Air Arm Boys series have been absorbing, filled with the tales of the activities of various areas of naval aviation life, both ashore and when operating from a carrier. This last volume in the series is more concerned with personal reflections of what that life meant to the various individuals involved, particularly poignant were the reflections by those remembering the lives of those lost in flying accidents, and even more so the consideration of the tragic effects on wives, girlfriends and families left behind as a result. A thought promoting consideration of the drives and motivations of those involved in the ever perilous and rarely seen daily working lives of those Fleet Air Arm Boys and Girls who chose this life as a profession. Eminently readable and thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable.”

Tony Wilson on Amazon, rated 5 stars

 “I love Vol.4!! I also suffered a flew flashbacks (all good!)”

Bob Turner

 “I did enjoy reading it and had a few laughs. It was interesting - no doubt. It was a bit of an odd feeling reading about incidents on the Carriers that I do recollect very well, even to this day. Sad at times. I found the article written by Arun Prakash Indian Navy, particularly interesting, more especially his description of the Russian replacement for the Sea Harrier! John Fords ‘In defence of Aircraft Carriers’ was ‘bang on’.”

John Keenan

Wing Commander Bob Crane. Observer.

893 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Hermes, RAF Phantom, US Navy VF-171 F-4J USS Forrestal, RAF Tornado F.3

 Rear Admiral Tom Cunningham CBE.

Observer. 750 Sqn Sea Prince, 737 Sqn Wessex, 826 Sqn Sea King, 360 Sqn Canberra, 702, 815, 829 Sqns Lynx HMS Amazon, HMS Battleaxe and Gibraltar Flt, Ops Officer HMS Illustrious, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Air and Carriers

 Leading Wren Beverley McDermott

Radio Operator, Communications Centre Yeovilton

 Leading Airman Richard Dickinson.

Aircraft handler. Portland Wasp and Wessex, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Blake Sea King, 846 Sqn Sea King

 Chief Petty Officer John Keenan.

Aircraft Engineering Artificer. 800 and 809 Sqns Buccaneer, HMS Eagle, Hermes, Victorious, 892 Sqn Phantom HMS Ark Royal.801 Sqn Sea Harrier HMS Invincible, 360 Sqn Canberra

 Petty Officer Terry McDonald.

Radio and radar technician. Hunter, Sea Hawk, Sea Vampire, Sea Venom Lossiemouth. 899 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Eagle, 848 Sqn Whirlwind HMS Bulwark

 Lieutenant Commander Andrew Murray AFC. Pilot.

705 Sqn Gazelle, 706, 771, 820, 814, 820, 849 Sqns Sea King. 857 Sqn Sea King Afghanistan.. Gulf War 2. HMS Ark Royal, Illustrious, Invincible. 824 Sqn Merlin. Flew last Sea King to HMS Sultan 2018. Deputy Command Flight Safety Officer

 Commander Mike Norman OBE AFC.

Aircraft Artificer, 728 Sqn Meteor, 750 Sqn Sea Venom. Observer. 826 Sqn Wessex 3, Wessex 5, Wasp and 814 Sqn Sea King 2. HMS Sheffield XO and 2 i/c, with the ship until it was sunk by an Exocet missile in the Falklands War. Naval and Air Attache in Portugal, Head of Service in Northern Ireland., Head of service in the Falkland Island garrison, Naval Base Cdr in Hong Kong.

 Lieutenant Kim Sharman. Pilot.

899 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Eagle, ‘C’ Sqn A&AEE Sea Vixen, 750 Sqn Sea Prince

 Lieutenant Commander Digby Stephenson. Observer.

824 Sqn Sea King HMS Ark Royal, 800 Sqn Buccaneer HMS Eagle, 809 Sqn Buccaneer HMS Ark Royal, US Navy VA42 A-6 USS Nimitz, FRADU Hunter

 Leading Wren Catherine Davies van Zoen. Aircraft Mechanic (Airframes and Engines).   

Visiting Aircraft Section Yeovilton, Hunter, Canberra, Buccaneer, Phantom, Sea Prince, Sea Devon, Wasp, Whirlwind, Tiger Moth, Swordfish 

Hardback
ISBN: 9781911667438
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

N.B. Only sales here contribute to keeping heritage aircraft flying

The late and much lamented Surgeon Captain Rick Jolly OBE compiled this classic and definitive book during his service as a Royal Marines Doctor. For this, among many other things, we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Illustrated by Tugg

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Osprey Publishing; Illustrated edition (22 Feb. 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9781472834133
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.98 x 3.85 x 21.41 cm

Spitfire Evolution is the first book to identify 73 variants of Supermarine Spitfire and Seafire.

Its commentary follows the evolution of this remarkable aircraft from its earliest forbears to the final marques (and includes Seafang, Spiteful and numerous small production specialist types).

 There are over 80 beautiful illustrations by Jon Freeman with additional diagrams illustrating both the technical differences and also a huge variety of liveries.

 The author, Paul Beaver, is a well-known writer, biographer, pilot and historian.

 This is a very convenient and extremely comprehensive companion/guide and is ideal for the spotter or aircraft enthusiast.

• Publisher‏: Beaver Westminster Limited (5 Mar. 2016)
• Language: English
• Pages: 68 
• ISBN: 9780993554506

Forgotten Few is a homage to the 57 naval pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain. For 20 years, the Admiralty and the Air Ministry did not recognise the valiant efforts of these young men – now historian Paul Beaver has compiled their biographies and explains the award of the coveted Battle of Britain clasp.

Nine of the Forgotten Few died in combat but five became aces. There is no doubt that they contributed to the ultimate victory, even though they were mostly flying their obsolete Sea Gladiator biplanes and obsolescent Fairey Fulmar. Twenty-three more pilots joined famous RAF Fighter Command squadrons and one achieved local notoriety as Douglas Bader’s wingman in fights over London.

In his endeavour, Paul has been supported by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the London Memorial team, the Fly Navy Heritage Trust (Navy Wings), Matthew Willis and Geoff Simpson.

• Publisher : ‎ Paul Beaver (1 Jan. 2019)
• ISBN: ‎9780993554537

""The art of command is...to be the complete master, and yet the complete friend of every man on board; the temporal lord and yet the spiritual brother of every rating; to be detached and yet not dissociated.'
This Officer's Handbook gathers together useful advice and instruction for those naval officers fighting the Second World War on all aspects of their job, expressed in the benevolent language of the day, when authority was respected.
The Handbook has been compiled and edited by Brian Lavery, who provides commentary and an introduction. Sections include: the Officer's Aid Memoire containing notes of the training course at one of the officer training schools; Notes for medical officers and treatment of battle casualties afloat; Notes for captains on taking command of their first ship; Notes for commanding officers; Notes on the handling and safety of ships and notes on dealing with disobedience and mutiny.
While suffused with nostalgia and charm, the various contents of this book are an authentic presentation of matters of training, authority and deportment in the wartime navy. The book is sure to appeal not only to those who served in the war or had a relative who was in the officer class, but also to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of the day-to-day administration of the wartime navy.

Originally a pictorial history of the race to get the world's last flying Sea Vixen, XP924, ready for the 2015 flying season, the current editions cover the period up to her 'wheel's up' landing. A comprehensively and lavishly illustrated record of a very special aircraft. 

Paperback.

Marvellously colourful first hand stories about the 'Jungly' Squadrons and their missions. Often out of the limelight, the rotary wing of the FAA plays a vital role, both aggressive and supportive, ship to ship, ship to sea and ship to land. So much of what the Navy and Fleet Air Arm have achieved, and continue to achieve, is the result of the rotary wing units.

As HRH Prince Charles puts in in his introduction -

'Over the years, both in peace time and in war, the Junglies have earned an enviable reputation for 'getting the job done'; a reputation as justified in the current theatres of conflict as it was in those early days in the jungles of Borneo. This has called for qualities which we readily associate with the Junglie: determination, resourcefulness, quick thinking and courage, all of which I witnessed in abundance during my time in 845 (SQN). The other ubiquitous quality I greatly enjoyed was the Junglies' irrepressible sense of humour, examples of which are much in evidence in this book.

The book, I feel sure, only scratches the surface of the veritable mine of Jungly tales, some no doubt apocryphal, some very slightly embellished, but all definitely worthy of re-telling. I warmly commend it to you.'

Collated by (the legendary) veteran pilot John Beattie, edited by Rick Jolly and with illustrations courtesy of Lee Howard.

So many eminent writers have written excellent books about the Swordfish and the actions for which it is most famous - Taranto, Bismarck, Channel Dash etc. 

The Swordfish is known for these actions, but they far from define its capability.

We have concentrated on the aircraft, its versatility, its ability to operate in conditions where others couldn't and, most importantly, its crews. All this with reference to its operational tasking and environment rather than specific actions.

We have drawn on a range of sources, but in particular the autobiographies of a number of Swordfish crew members.

It's crammed with over 40 pages of information and pictures and we hope you find it a fascinating read..........and it's free!

We hope you enjoy it.

The Swordfish was a truly extraordinary aircraft with a service record that few aircraft have matched. The images of LS326 and W5856 by Stephen Ward capture her in her element, prowling through troubled skies. Sentinel. Protector.

W5856 and LS326 are the last flying Fairey Swordfish in the world and your help keeps them in the air where they belong. 

Available as:

Poster: A3

Mounted print: overall size 49cms x 36cms

The moving story of youths turning to young men as they fight a well equipped and determined enemy with outmoded equipment and often in appalling conditions. Perhaps lacking the glamour of flying from the great carriers, those who flew from MAC ships (merchant ships converted to carry aircraft) nonetheless made a huge contribution to winning the Battle of the Atlantic.

Sub Lt Stanley Brand pranged W5856, the world's oldest flying Fairey Swordfish, in 1944 due to an engine failure on take off. We're happy to report that W5856 currently resides in our hangar and is a very popular addition at air displays around the UK.

Paperback.

Dramatic images of historic British Naval aircraft.
Perfect for sending to friends, colleagues and family. 

Pack of 5.

Swordfish:  Operation Judgement
Phantom:    The Ark Royal
Buccaneer:  Strike Force 
Phantom:    Take Off from the Ark Royal
Swordfish:  On A Wing and A Prayer 

All cards are blank inside

The story of the FAA in Northern Ireland in war and peace. An interesting social and military history.

Paperback.

Commander Charles Lamb was always in the thick of the action from the sinking of Courageous, through attacking E boats at Dunkirk, pathfinding for the raid on Taranto attacking shipping in the Mediterranean and the defence of Malta.

'This is a rare tale of determination, action and spirit by a man who was an inspiration to those around him. There is no finer account of war in the Fleet Air Arm'.

Paperback.

An amazing man who had an amazing life. The two combine to make an amazing read. If it was fiction it would seem too far fetched to be credible. The story of a man whose contribution to aviation in general, and naval aviation in particular, extended far beyond the end of WWII. A man whose world records and numerous 'firsts' will never be challenged and nor will his title of 'The World's Greatest Test Pilot'.

Paperback.

A 'warts and all' perspective of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm post-WW2.

The Fleet Air Arm has always had an elite status and an image of 'derring-do' and living on the edge.

To mark the millennium, 95 members of the Fleet Air Arm Officer's Association have recalled their experiences of over 55 years of post-war naval flying.

These first-person accounts pull no punches. Some are highly amusing, others serious, even tragic. Covered within are the piston-engined planes, early jets and supersonic nuclear-capable fighter-bombers as well as the full range of helicopters so vital in many theatres.

Fly Navy is a unique and entertaining anthology of flying stories, which will delight all with even a passing interest in service life and aviation.

The subtitle says it all - this is how it was - for better or for worse.

Generations of pilots cut their flying teeth in this very capable, much loved, but unsung aircraft.

Originally published by Squadron Leader Bill Purchase in 2000, this book describes Exercise Northern Venture as it really happened, constructed from Bill’s own personal diary and that of Ced Hughes, another of the participating Chipmunk pilots.

This newly revised edition, which coincides with the initiation of planning for the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the de Havilland Chipmunk, comes just ahead of the type’s 75^th anniversary on 22nd May 2021.

This book is just crammed with detail and is an ideal reference book for anyone interested in the superb powerhouse that is the Hawker Sea Fury - the pinnacle of piston engine technology. Packed with illustrations (including those shots you don't normally get of the systems behind the service panels) and informed commentary. Highly recommended both for enthusiasts and model makers.

Paperback.

Following neglect in the inter war years, the Fleet Air Arm went from less than a handful of carriers in 1939 to 59 in the space of 6 years and battled the Axis powers in every theatre of war. The role they played, both offensive and defensive was significant in the British War effort. This book contains a myriad technical details and illustrations.

Paperback.

Written by veteran Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot Larry Jeram-Croft, these 364 pages tell the story of a very capable, highly respected and much loved naval aircraft. Based primarily on the words of those who flew and maintained it. Essential reading for anyone interested in an aircraft that contributed so much in a wide variety of roles. 

 Hardback.

When Argentinian forces invaded the Falklands in April 1982, the British government responded by despatching a task force to the Atlantic to wrest back control of the islands. The resulting war saw modern weapon systems tested in combat for the first time, to tragic effect. In the aftermath, official documents were released, but many were heavily censored, and others withheld altogether, so that a full understanding of those events could not be gained. Drawing from recently declassified and previously unpublished reports from the official inquiry, Dr Paul Brown details the true story behind the dramatic events that led to the loss of six British ships – HMS Antelope, Ardent, Coventry and Sheffield, RFA Sir Galahad and SS Atlantic Conveyor – as well as the controversial sinking of the Argentinian cruiser ARA General Belgrano by HMS Conqueror.

An attractive poster showing the marking schemes of 5 Sea Vixen Squadrons.

The iconic Sea Vixen played an important role as a transitional design during the Cold War. Transonic and nuclear capable, this interceptor was armed with A2A missiles, but not cannon or machine guns as it was (erroneously as it turned out) thought that the day of the dogfight was over