Reviews "Fighters Over The Falklands"

Review in the RAF Association Magazine " Air Mail"

Brtitsih Empire Review

Having finished a few days ago this amazing book by Dave Gledhill, as promised, here's my review. First of all, I have to say that this is the most comprehensive book about the post war operations of British fighters over the Falklands / Malvinas, with a lot of details of how the Phantoms and then the Tornados flew over the islands, with a brief introduction on the current operation of the Typhoons. There are many details I never heard of previously about the first operations at RAF Stanley and then at Mount Pleasant. In my case, having studied the 1982 war extensively, it's quite interesting to see how the war lessons were learned and "see" the islands from the cockpit of modern fighters, over the same places the combats took place in 1982.
Also, the book contains many operational details, like how the quick reaction alerts were organized or the extremely difficult ferry flights from the UK to the islands. Those details make the book very interesting for anyone with interest on who combat operations and deployments are organized and the real facts of managing a combat unit so far away. I think this is a must for anyone interested on modern combat aviation and especially, on the South Atlantic War.

By Santiago Rivas

Author of Wings of the Malvinas.

Having read the author's wonderful first book on the UK's version of the F4 ...

Having read the author's wonderful first book on the UK's version of the F4 Phantom and his experiences of flying it I had high expectations of this book and I was not disappointed. It is superb. There have been many books written about the 1982 war but I cannot think of a single book that has been written on the operational aspects of daily life for military personnel and particularly air force crews based in the islands.
As with his book on the F4 Gledhill's job as the aircraft's navigator means that he offers a different perspective to that of most aircrew books which tend to written by pilots. Adding to the authority of the writer and this book is that he also served at 1435 flight's commander in the Falklands and flew both F4's and Tornado F3's which are the fighters that grace the cover.

After the obligatory brief history of the war the book delves into the immense difficulties posed by operating sophisticated fighter aircraft from what were incredibly austere conditions following the end of the conflict. Other chapters cover the threats posed by the Argentines and assesses the risks to the islands' independence, RAF Stanley and operations at Mount Pleasant airfield as well as how the RAF works with the army and Royal Navy. The chapter on air to air refuelling and the immensely complex job of flying fighters from the UK to the Falklands will be familiar to those who have read Gledhill's Phantom book. Alert duty, low flying and the way the Falklands air defence network operates are also covered. Completing the package is a rich selection of photographs most of which are colour and as with his first book are largely personal or provided by colleagues or others. In other words there are very few official MoD pictures and the book is the better for it.

What would I have liked more of? A comparison between operating the F4 and the Tornado in terms of performance, servicing issues and the like would have been really nice to have but this is in no way a criticism and is more a reflection of my own pedantic interest in such matters.

This is a terrific book on an area of fast jet operations that is not generally written about.

I await the David Gledhill's book on the Tornado with much excitement.

By Latinbear on Amazon.co.uk

Falklands QRA: The CO's Perspective.

David Gledhill has a very clear and informative writing style. He is a much accomplished and well qualified author who knows exactly how to convey the right amount of relevant technical information and military operational procedure so as to engage the knowledgeable and layperson alike. In his latest book, David, takes the reader through the personal challenges of commanding a RAF Fighter Detachment in the Falklands where the reader quickly gains an understanding of the immense responsibility in maintaining aircraft, aircrew and ground crew at peak QRA readiness 24x7x365. His book contains many relevant photographs that catalogue a very important part of modern RAF History following the liberation of the Falkland Islands and the assured defense of the Islands since May 1982.

Mike Crush on Amazon.

Another great book by Dave Gledhill,

Having read "The Phantom in Focus: A Navigator's Eye on Britain's Cold War Warrior" by the same author last year, I was looking forward to reading this one - which covers his second tour of duty in the Falklands at the helm of No. 1435 Flight RAF, flying this time the Tornado F.3 air defence fighter. In a very straightforward way he brings to the reader many of the interesting ways of life in the Falklands. It is of particular interest for those who want to know more about the role of the RAF in the defence of that South American islands, particularly as how it evolved since the end of the war in 1982. He describes in detail the environment on which combat aircraft have to operate there, including the famous "A-4 Alley" in San Carlos Sound, where the Argentinian pilots inflicted many losses to the British fleet by flying low; he also praises their prowess duriong the conflict. There are also many other interesting descriptions of flight training, interception of Argentine intelligence-gathering aircraft and the radar sites scattered through the Islands, as well as how the Kelpers really appreciate the presence of the British Forces there - but who wouldn't with fast jets flying there? I very much enjoyed reading it and wholeheartedly recommend it!

By: RD Cunha "Rudnei" on Amazon.com

Another Cracking Read From This Author....

The author has a knack for conveying his subject well accompanied by stunning photos. As a longtime student of the Falklands War he illustrates what the importance of it was and how Britain now deeds it. Superb.

Knowledge is Power.

I know the author well but that fact has not swayed my opinion of this book. Dave has captured accurately the events and practices of those people who have given their time, and for some, their lives, to defend the Falkland Islands. If you want an insight into how it was, and is, read this book!

Richard Duance.

5 Star!

A good insight into the working life and brought back many memories of my 2 tours in the Falkland Islands 

Marc on Amazon.com

Brings Back Earlier Memories.

A very enjoyable read especially as I know the islands so well although it was 20 years before the war. A very enlightening account of the aftermath of the conflict and a true understanding of the islanders wishes that reflects my memories of earlier times working for tne Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey.

tezzat on Amazon.com

Marvellous

A great insight into the fantastic job the British forces do in the defence of freedom in the South West Atlantic.

Roobarb on Amazon.com

4 Star The Forgotten Outpost

Great Book

Well written, giving a good insight to service life in the Falkland Islands. An excellent follow up to his book on the Phantom in RAF service.

By DP on Amazon.co.uk

3 Star Rare incite (insight) into post conflict operations in the Falklands

Interesting read of a subject rarely touched upon. With many informative snippets of operational lifestyle for those working in the Falklands

By Kevin Williamson on Amazon.co.uk