Buccaneer Boys: True Tales by those who Flew the 'Last all- British Bomber'

by Graham Pitchfork

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.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published December 22, 2002

Reviews

[Phil On The Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and enlightening. Many of the 24 experiences are very similar. What is evident is that this old bomber generated a lot of fondness and camaraderie.

[Charles H Berlemann Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up listening to guys trade stories about "So, there I was with Boxman, Coolhand, and Rocky Rhodes in Raven.... and then we did...." so just like another book in this series that I have read, Phantom Boys: True Tales from Aircrew of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Fighter-Bomber this is a series of stories of pilots or navigators in the Blackburn Buccaneer. It's arranged in a chronological order from the time it entered into service in the 60s with Royal Navy, into the RAF service, combat with the South Africans in Rhodeisa, Mozambique, Angola. Then it closes with the actions in Desert Storm and supporting the Jaguar and Tornado Force in its ability to destroy airfield. The 24 stories here at humour filled, adventure filled and to me the best story was a full run by one of the pilots as a demo team member where he literally runs thru the full demo and all the switches thrown, the maneuvers, the radio calls. It was awesome to read. If you like flight stories, get sly smiles about humor incidents that folks claim innocence towards, and some history of a wonderful plane then pick this up.

[John LeBrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ex-bomber pilot of 20 years (Vulcan), I am astounded by the enthusiasm the various writers, both RAF and RN, displayed in the book. The Buccaneer was special and Buccaneer aircrew were finely tuned and fearless in the various roles they undertook. To fly at 100 feet above ground at 540 knots needs immense skill, and as a team, complete trust in each other. I know I could not have done it.

Buccaneer boys, I salute you.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2013, 'Buccaneer Boys' is another entry in the 'Boys' series of aviation titles full of long anecdotes from crews who flew the aircraft types featured in the title. This volume seeks to reflect the views of SAAF pilots as well as RAF pilots, in in so doing give a more enlightened view of the Buccaneer as the SAAF used the type in action. Whatever the anecdote, these tales do makes great reading about a truly memorable aircraft.