Phoenix Squadron cover art

Phoenix Squadron

HMS Ark Royal, Britain's Last Topguns and the Untold Story of Their Most Dramatic Mission

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Phoenix Squadron

By: Rowland White
Narrated by: Roy McMillan
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

January 1972: the tiny outpost of British Honduras is threatened with imminent invasion by battle-hardened, US-trained Guatemalan paratroopers. Britain's response must be immediate and decisive. But there is only one deterrent the government can offer: HMS Ark Royal, once the navy's most powerful warship, now a white elephant on the verge of being scrapped.

To save the small colony, she must launch a pair of Buccaneer fighter bombers on an unprecedented long-range mission. But first the old carrier must make a high-speed 1,500-mile dash across the Atlantic towards the Gulf of Mexico. The odds of arriving in time are very slim indeed....

Drawing on extensive first-hand accounts and previously unseen classified documents, Rowland White has pieced together one of the most audacious and thrilling missions of post-war British military history.

©2009 Rowland White (P)2022 Penguin Audio Armed Forces Maritime History & Piracy Military Naval Forces World War Royalty Aviation Air Force

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All stars
Most relevant  
Loved this. Such well researched detail, written in an engaging way that really draws you into the story, and excellently narrated. First class!

A great story well told

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This has to be one of the best Audiobooks I have ever listened to. Attention to detail, facts and figures, outstanding

Outstanding Audiobook

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Thrilling story. This audio book is a reminder that real life is sometimes more dramatic than fiction. Excellent narration. A must read/listen for anyone with an interest in military history.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

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I do feel a real connection to the characters as in all of Roland’s books, awesome historical stuff.

Superb

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I always enjoy the books by Roland White and this is another wonderful evocative and fascinating glimpse of a little known event. Thanks you, I look forward to even more books please!

Brilliant

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struggled to follow every character a first but got a hand on it and the story and action flowed. really enjoyed.

very good!

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Both of these names deliver time & again and are just a delight to listen to. Rowland as humble as ever explains peoples stories to make sure histories aren’t forgotten. Roy simply brings them to life with his narration. As ever thank you.

Roy & Rolland at their superb best!

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A truly great book. Rowland White is an exemplary writer. One who has the ability to gather research and express it, in a manner which is easily accessible. Moreover, through the narrative he brings the people and places to life. He weaves his magic and at once there is an astonishing transformation, one that gives readers an opportunity to experience the story as if present themselves.

An awesome book. Rowland White makes history come alive.

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A great story of the use of naval sea power. Sadly being cut back by successive governments since the end of WW2.
It shows the bravery, ingenuity and resilience of naval personnel all making up a cohesive unit to promote naval air and sea power

A well written and performed history

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Don’t get me wrong, I loved the actual story, as well as the build up and context. It’s just the book seems to lurch backwards in time at inopportune moment. You are in a particular theatre and time frame, enjoying the action, then you switch back to some training or admin. If this book was reordered it would be 5 stars.

Back to the future

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