V Force Boys: All New Reminiscences by Air and Ground Crews Operating the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant in the Cold War

The V Force was a group of three four-jet bombers used as part of the nuclear deterrent in the Cold War. The Valiant, Vulcan, and Victor were all in service from 1955 to 1984. V Force Boys contains unpublished stories by V Force ground and aircrew, including a first-hand account of dropping the last UK H Bomb and how the aircraft navigated before GPS.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

The V Force, a formidable trio of four-jet bombers, comprised the Valiant, Vulcan, and Victor, all integral to the nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era, which emerged after the Second World War. While the Valiant possessed slightly less aerodynamic advancements compared to its counterparts, it entered service in 1955. A year later, the Vulcan joined its ranks, followed by the Victor in 1957. The Valiant ceased operations in 1965, while the Vulcan retired from service in 1984. However, a select few later Victors underwent a transformation into refuelling tankers, continuing their service until 1993.

V Force Boys, an extraordinary collection of previously unpublished narratives, delves into the experiences of V Force ground and aircrew, encompassing all three V bombers. Within its pages, readers will find a captivating firsthand account of the deployment of the last UK H Bomb, a detailed exploration of the navigation techniques employed before the advent of GPS, a comprehensive account of the rigorous training received by the crews, and an insightful reflection from an armourer on the secure transportation of nuclear weapons, albeit in a less regimented manner than might be anticipated. Additionally, the book offers chapters that highlight incidents that are not documented in the RAF historical annals but nonetheless showcase the lighter side of the vigilant safeguarding of the UK.

For enthusiasts of Vulcan, Victor, and Valiant aircraft, V Force Boys is an absolute must-read, offering a profound and immersive journey into the world of these remarkable machines and the individuals who piloted and maintained them.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 158 x 238 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667360