{"title":"Books by Steve Bond","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781911667315","title":"Fleet Air Arm Boys","description":"The RAF's continuing role in the projection of air power in the defence of the United Kingdom and its overseas interests since the end of the Second World War is well known. However, the same cannot always be said about the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA), in part due to the ten-year gap between the retirement of the Harrier and the arrival of the F-35B and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.   Flying high performance aircraft off a carrier demands not only a high level of skill, but also a considerable amount of courage and determination, not least to land back on a very small piece of real estate bobbing about in a rough sea, often at night, with no possibility of diversion. The nature of these operations has meant that the accident rate and aircrew losses were very high - and accepted as part of the job.   With the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales, it is time to redress the balance and bring the FAA's extraordinary story to the audience it so richly deserves through the words of those air and ground crews who have been part of it since 1945. What emerges is an amazing close-knit esprit de corps, often accompanied by a long-standing and still simmering rivalry between the RAF and the Royal Navy over who should project air power overseas. Enormous respect is shown by the aviators and ships' senior officers for the aircraft handlers and maintainers, who work long hours in a highly dangerous environment on the flight deck.   This first volume looks chronologically at every aircraft type flown in an air defence role since 1945. Involvement in conflicts including Korea, Suez, the Falklands, Bosnia and elsewhere is included, and perforce the cost in human lives, even in everyday operations, frequently emerges. Balancing this are the everyday grind, the good times, the humour, the 'runs ashore' and the sense of pride in a job well done. All delivered in the words of the men themselves.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":56308582023541,"sku":"9781911667315","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":57685791244661,"sku":"9781911667438","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911667315.jpg?v=1792598979"},{"product_id":"9781911714033","title":"Flying with the Navy","description":"During five years of research for the four volumes of the Fleet Air Arm Boys book series covering the post-war FAA, former personnel not only contributed a huge quantity of stories but also sent many thousands of photographs, largely taken by themselves, and mostly never previously seen. It soon became clear that what was needed was a stand-alone photograph-heavy book, showing off many of these superb photos to best effect by giving them up to a full page or more with high quality reproduction.    Whereas the ‘Boys’ books are all about fascinating stories supported by photos, here you have fascinating photos supported by some explanation and the occasional short supporting story. The opportunity has also been taken to expand the coverage to cover the whole history from the start of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) before the First World War to today, illustrating the changing equipment and roles of the service. Coverage is not limited to just a large representative group of aircraft, but also includes many ships and air stations. Most importantly, air and ground crew are highlighted throughout, both at work and at play, and those who lost their lives are suitably remembered.   Flying with the Navy is a once-in-a-lifetime publication and a must-have for all devotees of this truly astounding branch of the armed forces.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308591985013,"sku":"9781911714033","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911714033_b2c37bb4-3245-4c99-8f3f-49a29d03b4ec.jpg?v=1786030376"},{"product_id":"9781911714286","title":"RAF Boys in the Far East","description":"For 82 years the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which in 1918 became the Royal Air Force (RAF), maintained a permanent military aviation presence in the Far East. Throughout that time a huge variety of squadrons, flying many different aircraft types, together with all the necessary operational, technical and administrative support, took on all that was asked of them.   The first RFC units arrived in India in 1915. RAF India grew substantially in the interwar period and throughout World War Two. Various changes in the command structure finally saw the creation of the Far East Air Force (FEAF) in June 1949, covering South East Asia and Hong Kong. In the 1960s the UK government decided to withdraw all forces East of Suez and on 31 October 1971 the FEAF disbanded and most UK forces withdrew from Singapore at this time. The last RAF unit to leave the region was 28 Squadron flying. They had been operating Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters in Hong Kong until the territory was handed back to China in 1997.   RAF Boys in the Far East illustrates what it was like for those air and ground crew who were there by telling their stories in their own words, supported by explanation of the situations at the time and photographs primarily drawn from veterans’ own collections. The stories are as varied as the locations, the units and the personnel; everyday operations, exercises, triumph and tragedy, off duty time, and of course, the humour for which the RAF is renowned.   Chapters focus on differing aircraft roles and their operations, including emphasis on the war years in India and Burma, and the Singapore era with actions such as Operation Firedog and the Indonesian Confrontation. Today those veterans who look back on their time served in the FEAF do so with a great deal of pride, and rightly so. This is their story.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308593983861,"sku":"9781911714286","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911714286.jpg?v=1791212843"},{"product_id":"9781911667278","title":"Fleet Air Arm Boys Volume Three","description":"Helicopters have been going to sea with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm for over 70 years. Initially used for search and rescue (SAR) duties from aircraft carriers, the rapid development of both the helicopters and service experience resulted in them taking on the vital anti-submarine (and later anti-ship) attack roles.   The 1956 Suez campaign saw the first operational use of Whirlwind helicopters for the insertion of troops by air into a battle zone, a capability which was expanded with more helicopters such as the Wessex, Sea King and today's Merlin. Through their vital role in the 1960s Indonesian Confrontation, the Commando helicopter force became universally referred to as the 'Junglies', by which name they are still known today.   It is often said that if either of the 1982 Task Force aircraft carriers had been lost the Falklands War could not have been won. The same would surely have been true without helicopters. Their vital tasks, including inserting Special Forces behind enemy lines, protecting the Task Force from Exocet missile attack and recovering wounded troops whilst under enemy fire, are rightly hailed as being instrumental.  At home, the essential SAR effort by both the Royal Navy and their RAF counterparts has resulted in incredible stories of saving lives against the odds.   Royal Navy destroyers and frigates have also long since benefitted from having their own helicopter Flight aboard. Frequently operating in extremes of weather, flying a Wasp, Lynx or today's Wildcat from and back to a heaving deck is every bit as risky as flying fixed-wing aircraft off the carriers of old using the cat and trap system.   Once dismissed as a novelty, the helicopter has more than proved itself. Indeed, for ten years until the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the Fleet Air Arm's operational force was entirely rotary-wing. Today's Merlins and Wildcats, with their dedicated aircrew, maintenance and support staff continue to demonstrate just how vital an asset the helicopter has become.   Here are the words of the men and women themselves, skilfully brought to life by Steve Bond and profusely illustrated in colour and b\/w.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308952564085,"sku":"9781911667278","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911667278_f09d5235-057d-40b7-a266-642ebf93285d.jpg?v=1786029927"},{"product_id":"9781911621126","title":"Shackleton Boys","description":"Essentially a development of the Avro Lancaster via the later Lincoln, the Avro Shackleton was the RAF’s first line of defence in the maritime role from 1951 for twenty years, thereafter continuing to serve as an airborne early warning aircraft for another twenty, until 1991. The ‘Old Grey Lady’, the ‘Growler’, ‘20,000 rivets in loose formation’, but mostly known simply as the ‘Shack’, it is viewed with great affection by those who flew and maintained it. In addition to its traditional sub-hunting role, it was also used extensively for search and rescue operations, and even as a conventional bomber in the Aden theatre. Operating around the world with squadrons based in the UK, the Mediterranean, Middle East and Far East, ‘Shacks’ were also used to support the blockade of oil supplies to Rhodesia during the UDI crisis in the ’60s and ’70s, and searching for gun-running boats during the Indonesian Confrontation.   All of the Boys’ stories are from air and ground crew veterans themselves, and because there are so many vital and entertaining accounts, Steve Bond has divided his subject into two volumes.   Consequently this volume will cover UK-based units flying from Ballykelly (including Aldergrove), Farnborough, Honington, Kinloss, Lossiemouth, St Eval and St Mawgan, plus many overseas detachments including Christmas Island and Majunga. To complement the detailed personal accounts and anecdotes are hundreds of original photographs and extensive appendices. A feast for any ‘Shack’ or military aviation aficionado.   Volume Two (coming in 2019) will cover those units based overseas at Changi, Gan, Gibraltar, Khormaksar, Luqa (and Hal Far), and Sharjah, plus the South African Air Force operations from Ysterplaat\/Malan.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308986839413,"sku":"9781911621126","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911621126_ed951f7f-fa8a-4d0e-a774-a4f75e018bd3.jpg?v=1790000777"},{"product_id":"9781911667216","title":"Wimpy","description":"To date there has been a paucity of books on this remarkable aircraft. Among its claims to fame are the following: the only RAF bomber to serve in its original role from first day of war to last, and in every theatre; the first type to bomb Germany; the first type to bomb Berlin; the first type to drop the 4,000lb 'Cookie' bomb; and so on. A serious study is well overdue, drawing not just on official documentation but relying greatly on personal accounts and anecdotes from the veterans who were there, both air and ground crew. And here it is. Through his diligent research over many years, author Steve Bond has produced an outstanding work. His coverage of operations will include, inter alia, the early bombing campaigns, the switch to main force activity, the use of OTU aircraft and crews on operations, the protection of Atlantic and Mediterranean convoys, service with the FAA and the French and the Wellington's continued use as bomber and transport aircraft.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56309084094837,"sku":"9781911667216","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911667216_06dfd90e-1cf9-4aaa-a2a2-468419b043f7.jpg?v=1786029922"},{"product_id":"9781911621904","title":"Meteor Boys","description":"Grub Street is proud to present Meteor Boys, the latest title in its ever-popular Boys series. As Britain?s first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor has had a remarkably varied and lengthy life. But whilst many books have focused on its development and service history, the time has come to hear the personal experiences of its air and ground crews. By interviewing over forty veterans, author Steve Bond has written an incredibly detailed insight into this iconic aircraft, which is supported by anecdotes and accounts from those who knew it best. One example is Alan McDonald who described the Meteor as ?a bit unforgiving if you got it wrong, as many pilots found out to their cost, especially on one engine, but I must admit I got to like it very much ? it was a great adrenalin rush.? Alongside these entertaining anecdotes are details of the Meteor?s origins and developments. Starting with the first deliveries in 1944 working through to the present day, Steve Bond documents the diverse role which the Meteor has had. From use in operations against the V1, photo-reconnaissance missions, as a training machine and later a display aircraft ? particular attention is given to its major service period of the 1950s through to the early 1960s. The book will also feature photographs never seen before in print. This detailed history of this iconic and much loved jet fighter will appeal to all aviation fans.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56309127741813,"sku":"9781911621904","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911621904_f5b34f57-d828-4770-a1cd-65f3a4ef7e0f.jpg?v=1790000778"},{"product_id":"fleet-air-arm-boys","title":"Fleet Air Arm Boys","description":"Since the end of World War 2 the primary role of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm has been airborne power projection; the ability rapidly to respond to any trouble spot across the globe and to protect the interests of the United Kingdom and its partner nations. The principal tools in that response were the strike aircraft which took the offensive to the aggressor. Although from 2010 to 2020 fixed-wing carrier aviation was not part of the Fleet Air Arm, with the advent of the navy’s two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, that capability has been restored.   This renewed focus has not only seen the return of flying high performance aircraft from a carrier, but also the regeneration of the necessary skills, and courage, needed to cope with the extremes of weather and the nature of air operations in a very high-risk environment. However the lessons of the past have not been forgotten, and so many of those previous experiences are related within these pages – true stories of the last 76 years from aircrew, maintainers, aircraft handlers and many other supporting staff both men and women.   Following on from the success of volume one, this second volume covers every fixed-wing aircraft type flown from carriers in the strike, anti-submarine warfare and the vital airborne early warning roles; from Scimitars to Sea Hawks, Buccaneers to Skyraiders and many more, plus an extensive fleet of land-based aircraft.   As with the first volume, involvement in operations such as Suez, the Beira Patrol, the Falklands, Belize, Bosnia and elsewhere is included. Despite the intensity and all-to-frequent tragedy of operations, the esprit de corps, and the ability to find the necessary release through laughter, shine through. Here are the words of the men and women themselves, profusely illustrated in black and white and colour.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57509974344053,"sku":"9781911714354","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"raf-boys-in-the-middle-east","title":"RAF Boys in the Middle East","description":"The area of responsibility for the RAF in the Middle East was vast, encompassing the whole of Arabia plus substantial parts of East Africa. The operational challenges were substantial, not least the frequent need to operate in and out of remote and minimally prepared desert landing grounds in areas sparsely populated by often less than friendly inhabitants. Add to the mix the Second World War, tribal uprisings and squabbles between neighbouring countries, and the RAF certainly had its work cut out.   The RFC had a presence in the Middle East from 1914 with operation responsibility for Egypt, the Sudan and Kenya, and administrative responsibility for Palestine, Transjordan, Iraq and Aden, tasks carried on by the RAF from 1918. The critical wartime campaigns in Egypt and Libya came under RAF Middle East, and Middle East Command was absorbed into RAF Mediterranean and Middle East in 1945. Middle East Air Force (MEAF) was formed on 1 June 1949 and on 1 March 1961 it was renamed Near East Air Force (NEAF). At the same time Air Forces Middle East (AFME) was formed at Steamer Point Aden, being disbanded in 1967. To support the dwindling RAF presence in the region HQ Air Forces Gulf at Muharraq Bahrain came into being in September 1967, disbanding on 15 December 1971 following the final withdrawal from Aden.   RAF Boys in the Middle East will present the reader with a varied collection of stories from those who were there, supported by explanatory text and original black and white and colour photographs. The recollections of over 40 air and ground crew, with some going back to pre-war years, cover a good number of the many locations, aircraft types and units which served throughout the Middle East. A step back in time to honour those veterans.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57509975458165,"sku":"9781911714392","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781911714392.jpg?v=1791212847"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-steve-bond.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}