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From Auster to Apache (Hardback)

The History of 656 Squadron RAF/AAC 1942-2012

Aviation Colour Books Military > Post-WWII Warfare > Afghanistan War

By Guy Warner
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9781781590980
Published: 10th May 2013

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This is the 70th Anniversary year of 656 Squadron, which first formed on 31st December 1942. Over the intervening years the Squadron has served with great distinction in India, Burma, Java, Malaya, Borneo, Hong Kong, the UK, the Falkland Islands, Bosnia, Kosovo and, most recently, in Afghanistan. This is 656's story, told in full and for the first time.

656 Squadron's story is a diverse one, characterized by active deployment in a diverse range of wartime theaters. It was the only Air Observation Post (AOP) squadron to serve with the “Forgotten Army”, 14th Army under General Sir Bill Slim in Burma and, after the successful conclusion of this campaign, the Squadron was posted to Malaya, from where it took part in the little known but fierce campaign countering separatists in Java. This was followed by the long campaign against Chinese communist terrorists in Malaya (Malayan Emergency). In addition, many members of the Squadron served in the Korean War. Subsequently there was considerable involvement in the “Confrontation” with Indonesia in Borneo and policing and internal security work in Hong Kong. Following its return to the UK in 1979, there were deployments on active service to Rhodesia, the Falkland Islands (both during and after the war) and Bosnia and Kosovo.

In 2001 the Squadron was chosen to be the Army's first Apache Attack Helicopter Squadron, and has now undertaken three operational tours in Afghanistan. Overall it has amassed well over 200,000 operational flying hours making it the most operational squadron in the entire history of army air warfare. It was also, of course, most recently on active service as a sea-based strike unit over the skies of Libya.

It is a quite remarkable fact that the Squadron, and indeed the British Army, have both come full circle; directing fire from the air in 1944, to being the artillery in the air, directed from the ground in 2011.

As seen in.

Aerdia

Includes good quality photos that piece the text together.

Helico Revue

Interviews and quotes from those who took part livens up and gives colour to the narrative, making this an interesting read for anyone interested in Army aviation.

Helicopter International

No reader who is enthusiastic about aircraft will fail to be fascinated by the numerous anecdotal accounts of the wide range of unique experiences gained in flying Tiger Moth, Auster and DH Beaver fixed-wing types, Scout, Sioux, Gazelle, Lynx and Apache helicopters in a very wide variety of military roles and operational environments. Moreover, the book is testament to Guy's ability to quickly research and assimilate a huge amount of information and present it in a detailed but easily accessible way, thanks in part to an index which, in itself, must have taken immense patience to produce. Without doubt, the book is one of his greatest achievements to date and I know from personal contact it has given him great satisfaction to write. Highly commended.

Ernie Crombie – Airmail

A comprehensive account. Illustrated to a very high standard.

Forces Pension Society

He interweaves historical fact with oral history. It brings his subjects to life, particularly when read from the professional soldier's viewpoint. It also adds colour to what could easily be a black and white report of days gone by.
'From Auster to Apache' captures 70 years in an Aviation squadron's vibrant life and tells us just how much has changed in the intervening years - and just how much has remained the same.
This book is densely packed and may be read as an interesting story or mined for nuggets of useful information.
It is a must for all who have served in 656 Squadron and highly recommended for those who have an interest in our history.

Army Air Corps Veteran's Association Newsletter - LZ

For those that resist buying such books, 'borrow' the book and just quickly read General Sir John Learmont's foreward and then turn to Appendix 1, the list of honours and Awards, you will be quickly sold!
Readers will quickly appreciate how much work has been involved in researching, collating and then ultimately writing such a detailed history.

Army Air Corps Veteran Association Newsletter - Lieutenant Sir Gary Coward

The Association is indebted to Guy for his dedication and professionalism in producing a book which does true justice to the squadron's unique history.

Army Air Corps Veteran Association Newsletter - Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Simkins

From Auster to Apache is a well-written account of a remarkable squadron. The book is a worthy addition to the annuals of the RAF.

RAF Historical Society

It was on 31 December 2012, that 656 squadron celebrated its 70th anniversary. Over the intervening years the squadron has served with great distinction in India, Burma, Java, Malaya, Borneo, Hong Kong, the UK, the Falkland Islands, Bosnia, Kosovo and, most recently, in Afghanistan. This is 656's story, told in full.

Britain at War

An excellent selection of photographs and squadron memorabilia also enhances the quality of this well-written volume.

The Bulletin

The book is excellent, lots of contributions which add colour - Guy was on the ball in getting the gen from so many. All my local friends are queueing up to borrow it.

ex-Sqn pilot Maj Spencer Holtom AFC

I was so pleased to meet Guy Warner and I thought his address about how the book came to be written, and his admiration for the achievements of the Squadron through its 70 year history was inspiring. It is obvious that he enjoyed writing the book and he clearly recognised the importance and significance of the task the more the researched the subject. I do congratulate you and your committee for getting this project off the ground and onwards to a safe landing. It is a really high quality hardback which, on this basis alone, would grace any bookshelf. The pictures and illustrations are outstanding and it is clear that Guy Warner has gone to immense pains in his research. To his credit, he has managed to record incidents with a maximum of comment by those still alive to add flavour to the whole enterprise. The book is a tour de force and I was very honoured to meet Guy and shake his hand. I think that it is brilliantly written. All the personal accounts make for a very good read and the pictures/illustrations and quality of the paper are outstanding. Well done to you, Guy and all concerned

Gen Sir John Learmont

The Army Air Corp's 656 Squadron is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a book telling its dramatic story and written by Ulster author Guy Warner who specialises in military affairs. It's a tribute to Guy that he was commissioned to write this important tome.

Belfast Telegraph
 Guy Warner

About Guy Warner

Guy Warner is a retired schoolteacher and former MOD civil servant, who has written more than 30 publications on aviation, military and naval history, four of which have been published by Pen & Sword, as well as several hundred articles for magazines in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Portugal, Canada and the USA. He also gives talks on these topics, reviews books, makes contributions to TV and radio programmes and acts as a consultant to museums and universities. He and his wife Lynda have a great love of the Azores, which they have visited numerous times.

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