Lockerbie: The Truth

by Douglas Boyd

On 21 December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit was destroyed by a bomb, killing all 243 passengers and sixteen crew. Large sections of the aircraft, bodies and personal effects crashed onto residential areas of Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in the deaths of a further eleven people on the ground. The psychological damage to traumatised residents would take many years to disappear; in some cases, it never did. Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only person to have been convicted of the crime – though few believe that he acted alone and some believe him innocent.

Author Douglas Boyd presents evidence that it was Iran, not Libya, which was responsible for the attack. On 3 July 1988 (less than six months before the Lockerbie bombing), Iran Air flight 655 was in Iranian airspace on a Bandar Abbas-Dubai flight when it was shot down by missiles from the USS Vincennes sailing illegally into Iranian territorial waters. Government leader Ayatollah Khomeini decreed that blood should flow in revenge. However, this line of enquiry was quietly closed and Libya declared guilty because the White House wanted neighbouring Syria and Iran on-side for the build-up to the first Gulf War against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Lockerbie: The Truth at last reveals the facts about what happened on that awful night at Lockerbie.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Aviation

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I doubt the general public will ever know the real truth about what really occurred on the 21st December 1988 and who the real culprits were this book, although imperfect, contains a much more plausible narrative than the official version. Only fools would believe Abdul Baset Al-Megrahi is the “Lockerbie Bomber” and the bomb laden suitcase flew from Malta to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to London then onto Pan Am 103. The suitcase was definitely planted at Heathrow!!!!
There are far better books available on the subject though.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shockingly clear account of not only the disaster but events before and after.

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched on this tragedy a good informative read

[Duncan Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and gripping read that gathers together evidence not presented to the court and the results of subsequent investigations by dedicated researchers. It certainly convinced me that there was a serious miscarriage of justice in this case. An essential book for anyone interested in the Lockerbie Bombing.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My normal response to any book with "The Truth" in the title is a groan and an eye-roll, but I gave this one a chance and I wasn't disappointed. Boyd makes a well-supported and reasoned argument that al-Megrahi was railroaded to support strategic interests, and that the true motive of the PanAm bombing was Iranian retribution for the downing of Iran Air 655 by an American guided missile cruiser.

[William Dury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay guys, get out those tinfoil hats! Paranoiacs, conspiracy theorists, you’re gonna love this one. Sadly, the conclusion that that man who took the fall for the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 likely had nothing to do with the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 seems more sadly like common sense than conspiracy. Beware of any book that touts “the truth.” What are you nuts? Our delusions are all we have. Description of the flight going down is masterful and heartbreaking. Well done there. Not a bad book by any means and the examination of terrorist cells is interesting, though taken by this reader with a grain of salt.

[Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lockerbie: The Truth is a powerful and fearless work. Douglas Boyd takes one of the most painful tragedies in modern history and digs deep, not just into the facts, but into the silences and cover-ups that shaped the narrative. His research is detailed yet accessible, and his writing keeps you turning pages even when the subject matter is heavy.

What struck me most is the balance, this isn’t just a retelling of events, it’s an uncovering of truths that demand attention. It takes courage to tackle such a controversial subject, and Boyd does it with clarity and conviction.

[Steve822 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I have read on the bombing of Pan Am 103 and it appears well researched and makes a compelling argument that a miscarriage of justice has taken place in the jailing of al-Megrahi. I did feel that it wasn't a balanced account though, it didn't deal with the issues dispassionately and I just felt that an agenda was being played out.