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. The introduction into
service is fully described before further chapters cover the development
of the air force's maritime tactics and the deployment of two squadrons
to Germany in the overland strike role. Two chapters deal with the
aircraft's stunning successes at the Red Flag and Maple Flag exercises
flown in North America which took the USAF hierarchy by storm. A further
chapter is devoted to the intensive but little known Bush War operations
by 24 SAAF Squadron on the borders of Angola. Two USAF exchange officers
who flew Buccaneers relate their experiences and the aircraft's
deployment for the Lebanon crisis and the reinforcement exercise to the
Falkland Islands is examined. The introduction of new air-to-surface
anti-ship missiles is covered before the Buccaneer left to go to war in
the Gulf where it distinguished itself providing precision laser marking
for the Tornado force in addition to carrying out its own precision
bombing attacks. 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.
