Sweeney: The First Sixty Years of Scotland Yard's Crimebusting: Flying Squad, 1919-1978

The Sweeney: The Story of Scotland Yards Top Crime-Busting Department is a book that chronicles the sixty-year history of the Flying Squad, a top crime-busting department of Scotland Yard. The author, a former detective who spent over eight years with the Squad, has uncovered files never before released by the Yard and has amassed the tales of bravery and top-notch investigations carried out by the Squad officers of yesteryear. The book begins with the dramatic account of the daring gold bullion and jewelry raid in 1948 by a gang of well-organized criminals from the newly-opened Heathrow Airport, which was described by a judge at the Old Bailey as "The Battle of Heathrow." The Squad was formed to stem the tide of lawlessness following the First World War and has since taken on the might of the Racetrack Gangs, armed robbers, and smash-and-grab raiders. The book is filled with thrilling, amusing, and always compelling anecdotes from the men who were there, and it was the Flying Squad who inspired the popular TV series.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Flying Squad, Scotland Yard's elite crime-busting unit, has been the subject of a remarkable twenty-year exploration by a former detective who spent over eight years with the renowned unit. Through meticulous research, the author has unearthed previously unseen files from the Yard, revealing the tales of bravery and exceptional investigations carried out by the Squad officers of yesteryear. The book commences with a dramatic account of a daring gold bullion and jewelry raid in 1948, orchestrated by a well-organized gang from the newly established Heathrow Airport. The Flying Squad, lying in wait, encountered a fierce battle, which a judge at the Old Bailey later described as "The Battle of Heathrow."

Formed in the aftermath of the First World War, the Flying Squad emerged as a formidable force in combating lawlessness. Initially relying on horse-drawn wagons, they swiftly transitioned to high-speed cars, taking on the likes of the Racetrack Gangs, armed robbers, and smash-and-grab raiders. Their relentless pursuit of justice brought them to the forefront of public attention. The book meticulously recounts the war years, the secret post-war Ghost Squad, the horse-doping scandals, the infamous Great Train Robbery, the Bank of America robbery, the Supergrass operation, and corruption. Each chapter is filled with thrilling, amusing, and always compelling anecdotes from the men who were part of this extraordinary unit.

The Flying Squad's legacy extends beyond the pages of history. It inspired the popular TV series, capturing the essence of their daring exploits and the camaraderie among the officers. This book offers a rare glimpse into the world of The Sweeney, revealing the realities of life within this elite unit and the impact they had on British law enforcement. It is a testament to the bravery, dedication, and professionalism of those who served on the Flying Squad and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of crimefighting.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526756305