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Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 Roger Annett

Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 By Roger Annett

Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 by Roger Annett


£25.00
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Summary

Relays the events of the Indonesia/Malaysia Confrontation (1962-66) in vivid detail. Details the exploits of the famous 'Borneo Boys' - a new breed of young and freshly-trained RAF rotary pilots, posted to the Far East, tells the lively accounts of 103,110, and 225 Squadron Whirlwinds in action.

Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 Summary

Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 by Roger Annett

The author, Roger Annett, experienced first-hand the events detailed here. Flying with 215 Squadron, and co-piloting Argosy transport aircraft deep over Malayan jungle terrain from 1963 to 65, he is well placed to provide a colorful account of this dramatic period. Following a reunion of RAF Whirlwind veterans of Borneo, Annett began work on this record of their collective experience, attempting to stir the memories of both war veterans and civilians alike, riveted by the drama as it played out by opposing forces attempting to control the island of Borneo. The book describes the oppositions, antagonisms, victories, and defeats experienced on the island. Borneo itself, with its difficult terrain, jungles, and lack of adequate road networks, proved to be one of the biggest challenges from a military perspective, and it is brought to life here. The story of the 'Borneo Boys' of the title traces a journey from new recruits at boot camp to flying training, and on to Borneo itself. It was here where a fraternal bond was to be forged to last a lifetime and provide an impetus for this book. The process of Theatre familiarization - jungle training, nursing Whirlwind 10s over and around the mountainous Malayan jungle - is recorded here with first-hand authenticity. Setting this journey in context, Annett fills out the history of the wider conflict in which the boys were embroiled. The Far East colonial tensions which bred antagonism and ultimately led to the conflict are detailed, as are the cross-border raids and riots which bred a fever of revolt. Much is written already on the Borneo conflict, a lot of it dealing with the politics of the situation. This book swoops its focus on the young men who were called upon to fly over such confusion, far away from home. It is their daily adventures, camaraderie, and learning trajectory which we are faced with. All the excitement of the Aviator's adrenalin ride is translated into eloquent prose, strengthened by the kind of confident delivery that only a man involved in such proceedings could achieve.

Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 Reviews

The author served during the Confrontation as a pilot with Transport Command (see Drop Zone Borneo, which is also published by Pen & Sword). He has used this personal experience and has allied it to a commendable degree of extra research to produce a book which gives the reader a real feel for the period. He has interviewed 24 veterans of the campaign and intersperses the narrative of the developing picture as a whole with many fascinating personal memories. The reader sees the world through their eyes, which really brings a sense of realism and immediacy to the story, which is told by the author in a relaxed but authoritative style. The historical, political and military background is sketched in succinctly, as also are the technical details of the helicopters central to the story, the Westland Whirlwind Mk 10 and the Bristol Belvedere. The text is complemented by a marvellous selection of hitherto unpublished photographs, culled from old albums tucked away in the lofts of these 24 'Old Rotors'. This is an excellent book which I thoroughly recommend as a very good read and also an important piece of aviation history. - Guy Warner An impressive collection of 'I was there' stories. There is much hard data embedded within and between these tales and the reader will be able to derive a great deal of information relating to the Army and RN, as well as the RAF, units involved. For the reviewer it was the personal accounts that brought the book to life. Each contribution would make a good 'Boy's Own Story' in its own right but being brought together, and supported by an excellent on of well-reproduced photographs, they illustrate a story that could be bettered only by an action movie. Such a movie would have to be in 3D in order to capture the often hair-raising close-ups of 200ft trees, the stomach churning drops into hastily prepared LZs and the aerobatic manoeuvres required to get into and out of some sites, often a dozen times a day. lifting supplies from DZs to camps, or constructional materials to hill-top first and relay stations together with the regular redeployment of Army units and their howitzers. This could involve logging an impressive 37 hours in a two-week detachment - and that was just he routine flying! Add to this the rapid-reaction insertion of troops to counter incursions and many service and civilian casevacs and one has the flavour of the task facing the Borneo Boys. Pen & Sword are to be congratulated on publishing this well-presented, well-illustrated hardback, as is the author on his easy to read style. I recommend this title and especially to anyone who was involved in 'Confrontation' or who may be studying the application of Air Power The Royal Air Force Historical Society Journal Superb book. Superbly supplemented with many fine photographs and maps. Highly recommended." AIR MAIL

About Roger Annett

Roger Annett served with the RAF from 1962 to 1967 before joining the computer industry. He has various articles published in Industrial and local magazines. He has published several books through Pen and Sword, including Drop Zone Borneo, Drop Zone Burma, and most recently Lifeline in Helmand.

Additional information

GOR012347582
9781781590102
1781590109
Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66 by Roger Annett
Used - Like New
Hardback
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
2013-05-01
336
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - Borneo Boys: RAF Helicopter Pilots in Action - Indonesia Confrontation 1962-66