Harrier 809

Author Rowland White
Narrator Roy McMillan
Publisher Transworld
Run Time 14 hours and 49 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Aerospace and aviation technology, Biography: historical, political and military, Military history, Special and elite forces, Theory of warfare and military science.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

"Harrier 809 is a truly insightful study of this iconic British aircraft at war, and a tremendous account of the personal experiences of those who flew it in battle. By turns exciting, moving and enlightening; Rowland White has crafted yet another brilliant account of aerial warfare."
JOHN NICHOL, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SPITFIRE

When the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in April 1982, Britain’s immediate response was to send a task force. But behind the pomp and bravado of its departure, a sober reality lurked. A mere 20 Sea Harriers operating from two aircraft carriers would take on the might of the Argentine air force, some 200 planes strong. The MOD estimated that within four days and against such formidable air power, half the harriers would likely be lost.

To reinforce that meagre force, and in just three weeks, the Navy formed, trained and equipped a brand new squadron from scratch. Not since the Second World War had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots. Their home would be a container ship converted into a makeshift carrier. 809 Naval Air Squadron was born.

Other covert operations mounted by MI6 and the SAS in Latin America would provide vital intelligence to protect the task force from attack but in the vanguard of the conflict it would be the Sea Harriers of the 809 whose heroics in the South Atlantic which would become legendary.

With characteristic insider knowledge and in thrilling detail, Rowland White tells the story of those amazing exploits - the dogfights, the twenty-three kills, the deadly Exocet attacks, the ejections – demonstrating just why the Harrier is mentioned in the same breath as the Spitfire, the Lancaster and the Vulcan and is destined to join them in the ranks of our most celebrated aeronautical achievements.

© Rowland White 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Critics Review

A story of skill, courage and imagination that resembles a miniature Battle of Britain … a military adventure, written with expertise, a tale of initiative, skill and courage, of pushing beyond the rules … A thrilling account

The Spectator

Harrier 809 is a truly insightful study of this iconic British aircraft at war, and a tremendous account of the personal experiences of those who flew it in battle. By turns exciting, moving and enlightening; Rowland White has crafted yet another brilliant account of aerial warfare.

Rowland White has scored again. Harrier 809 reads like a fast-paced military adventure novel only better because every word is true. White has brought us an up-close, inside-the-cockpit saga of a band of heroes in the Falklands air war. Riveting.

Robert Gandt

Set against the broader context of the Falklands War, Harrier 809 brings the squadron’s story to life in fine and highly readable style.

Garth Ennis

Deeply researched and written with Rowland White’s trademark brio, Harrier 809 is the thrilling story of the ‘forgotten’ Sea Harrier squadron of the Falklands War, one that arrived late to the party yet played a key role in Britain’s unlikely victory. A superb book.

Saul David

This is utterly brilliant: a fantastically exciting book about those amazing Harrier jets in the Falklands War but so much more besides. White has a richly drawn cast of unforgettable characters … this really does read like the best kind of thriller. His best book yet.

James Holland

Utterly thrilling and totally absorbing. White conveys brilliantly the spirit of a great aircraft – and the men who flew it

Patrick Bishop

Rowland White has done it again! A compelling, fast-paced narrative that thrusts us into a fascinating cockpit-view of the Falklands War. Harrier 809 provides a true window into a conflict that shaped the modern path of Argentina and the United Kingdom; a “must read” for serious military aviation enthusiasts and historians alike!

Dan Hampton

A compelling narrative, brought to life through vivid personal accounts and told in the author’s usual lucid style

Soldier

White writes narrative history like a novelist … a story of politics, invention, determination and courage.

Navy News

User Reviews

Book 4.5

Narration 5.0

4.0

5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Narration excellent. I found the latter part somewhat better than earlier chapters simply because they are overloaded with sets of initial which a newbie to the units involved may struggle with.

Liam 25/01/2023

5.0

Not a book I would usually pick but this one had a very particular draw u2013 see the disclaimers below.
The story reads like a novel, itu2019s tense and gripping to the end. Superbly researched, engaging, informative and never glorifying in the tragedy of war. It is written with the voice of those who were there.

Roy McMillanu2019s narration is a masterclass. The preparation he has undertaken and the consequent accuracy of his reading of the book are astonishing. He rattles through complex Argentinian/Spanish pronunciations and bamboozling military equipment designations with apparent ease. The sort of phrases and words that you might easily skip on a page, or at the very least take a few runs at before you got them!

This is an excellent audiobook!

My first disclaimer: My father was an RAF Harrier pilot who (in one of many roles) ran the u2018OCUu2019 training squadron and taught (converted) pilots on how to fly the Harrier. I knew (as a young man) many of the people mentioned in the book.

My second disclaimer: I am a co-founder and CTO of xigxag. My father died before we established the company but I would love to have gifted him this book. He would have loved listening to it; huffing with outrage, shedding a tear at men lost, devastated by the fact that he wasnu2019t able to go u2013 all the crazy emotions of military men that the book so eloquently brings to life.

mark (xigxag staff) 30/04/2025

More from the same

Author

Narrator

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.

Find your favourite titles