Hercules

by Scott Bateman

Pre-order the story of the legendary Hercules plane, told through the lens of 47 squadron

Genres: Aviation, Military Fiction, History, Military History, Nonfiction, Memoir

416 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Mr N P Leversuch]

I found this an enjoyable read. A good blend of aspects covering the aircraft itself, the demands and achievements of the aircrew and the range of activities undertaken by the aircraft, often beyond the rated capabilities of the aircraft.
Sadly, also covered is an insight into the heartbreak caused to the families when aircraft crash and aircrew are killed.
The outline of the progress made by the author from Loadmaster to Pilot-in-charge, gave an interesting insight into the range of teamwork activities required to get the best performance from the aircraft.
Personally, I would have liked a bit more technical detail about the design, development and capabilities of the aircraft, but still a good book and an interesting read.

[Phil Rice]

It is a superb book written by a legend in The RAF Hercules world. Scott had superb service in The RAF which started as an air loadmaster serving at Lyneham Wiltshire after this that led him to transfer to become a pilot on 47 Squadron. Scott has researched this book expertly not only the first flight of the Herc but also included missions and sorties that the Herc has undertaken with overseas air forces as well as the main ones that Herc undertook with The RAF of which Scott was part of during his Air Force career

[Ewan Hamilton]

This is both a great insight to the story of a legendary aircraft type and the inner workings of military flying. The chapters were engaging and gave some great examples of reflection, highlighting what the aircraft meant to the crews and what the crews meant to each other. As a self confessed AvGeek, this was everything I hoped it would be and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in aircraft or military stories.

[Paul Evans]

Great book and gives a fascinating insight into what the Herc has done over its life.

I loved flying on this aircraft and this was reinforced by my time at RAF Lyneham when my neighbours were the pilots that flew this amazing piece of kit.

A lot of the authors stories align with my time in the RAF so give added detail to events that I was aware of.

Great read and recommended to Fat Albert geeks and anyone who loved being around this RAF legendary plane.

[Micheal Martindale]

Lyneham Hercs

I spent the last 7 years of a 12 year engagement working as an electrical engineer on the Herc squadrons at Fairford and Lyneham. This book brings back many great memories for me, while I was nor aircrew I always felt the appreciation the aircrew gave to the ground crews for getting their aircraft ready and safe for them to fly. Mike Martindale (ex Sgt RAF)

[Andy]

This was a really interesting read on something I had never really thought about but yet plaid such a vital role

[Robert Whitfield]

A testament to an RAF legend. Having had fond memories watching these icons as a child, this was worthy tribute. Thank you to the interview of Scotty on FlightRadar24 making me aware of this!

[Stuart Harland]

Very enjoyable. Excellent history of this much loved workhorse. Recommended for any aviation enthusiast.