Scram!, Harry Benson
Scram!, Harry Benson
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Scram!
The Gripping First-hand Account of the Helicopter War in the Falklands

Author: Harry Benson

Narrator: Johnnie Benson

Unabridged: 10 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Harry Benson

Published: 04/02/2022


Synopsis

*40th anniversary audio edition*In April 1982 Harry Benson was a 21 year-old Royal Navy commando helicopter pilot, fresh out of training and one of the youngest helicopter pilots to serve in the Falklands War. These pilots, nicknamed 'junglies', flew most of the land-based missions in the Falklands in their Sea King and Wessex helicopters. Much of what happened in the war -- the politics, task force ships, Sea Harriers, landings, Paras and Marines -- is well-known and documented. But almost nothing is known of the young commando helicopter pilots and aircrewmen who made it all happen on land and sea. This is their 'Boys Own' story, told for the very first time.Harry Benson has interviewed forty of his former colleagues for the book creating a tale of skill, initiative, resourcefulness, humour, luck, and adventure. This is a fast-paced, meticulously researched and compelling account written by someone who was there, in the cockpit of a Wessex helicopter. None of these pilots has spoken before about:- The two helicopter crashes and eventual rescue following a failed SAS mission high up on an in hospitable glacier in South Georgia- The harrowing story of the Exocet strike that sunk the transport ship Atlantic Conveyor- The daring missile raid on the Argentine high command in Port Stanley- The constant mortar fire faced while supporting troops and evacuating casualties- The hair-raising head-on attacks by Argentine jets on British helicopters- The extraordinary courage shown during the evacuation of the bombed landing ship 'Sir Galahad' If you liked Apache, Vulcan 607 and Chickenhawk, you'll love Scram! The word "Scram" was coined by Falklands helicopter pilots to warn other 'junglies' to go to ground or risk being shot down as Argentinean jets blasted through 'bomb alley'. The term has never been used before or since.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Chris on February 14, 2016

An excellent account of a little related aspect of the Falklands war. The book tells the story of the part played by the unsung "junglie" helicopter pilots in every aspect of the South Atlantic campaign.......more

Goodreads review by Nick on January 21, 2013

This is a perspective of the Falklands conflict from the perspective of the helicopter pilots involved. It does offer another perspective and does add another piece to the jigsaw that makes up the Falklands War. The author arrived towards the end, but at a recent reunion decided to collect the memor......more

Goodreads review by James on December 13, 2012

This is an essential addition to anyone with an interest in military aviation. The narrative takes an overview of all the helicopter operations in the Falklands, so is naturally not deep in some details. The author does a marvelous job of describing the basics of helicopter flight and gives an indica......more

Goodreads review by Neil Slater on February 02, 2020

Excellent book. Would have liked to have seen the angle of "have we learned some of the lessons?" for RW support covered. Almost missed the part about the outcome of the lone SF soldier carrying the M16, but noticed on the last pages that he was never ID'd. Thanks to those who told their stories and......more

Goodreads review by Tc on September 02, 2023

A great account of a war little is heard about. A collection of stories told by the helicopter pilots who lived through some truly wild adventures and helped shape the world of helicopters today. Especially fascinating for anyone who is themselves a pilot......more