VULCAN 607

Signed on the title page by

Squadron Leader Martin Withers
‘Black Buck 1’

Bantam Press. First edition, later printing 2006.  410 pages and very well illustrated with photos, some in colour, and cutaways. 

Very Fine condition hardback book in black boards with blue endpapers and black/white headbands. Very Fine unclipped dustjacket. As new and unread.

The dramatic account of the Vulcan bomber raid on Stanley airfield that opened the Falklands War. When war broke out, the venerable Vulcan was already facing retirement. The aircraft had to be completely overhauled, and the story of how a seemingly endless list of problems and unexpected difficulties was overcome is a story of true British ingenuity.

Before dawn on May 1st, 1982, a lone RAF Vulcan B2 bomber made its way towards the runway at Port Stanley airport. It was aiming to strike the first blow of Britain’s campaign to retake the Falklands. The flight was the culmination of a huge military effort and was the longest-range attack in aviation history. It was also the last time that the RAF flew heavy bombers into combat, before the old techniques and equipment were replaced with the digital, fly-by-wire, precision-guided weaponry of modern warfare.

The mission came perilously close to disaster. Two Vulcan bombers took off in the late evening of April 30th to begin a twelve-hour round trip to the Falklands. Within minutes of take-off, the lead Vulcan was forced to turn back because of mechanical difficulties, leaving Vulcan 607 and her crew alone to undertake the mission. ‘Vulcan 607′ is the dramatic retelling of this singular mission. Using extensive interviews with the combatants, residents of Stanley, and military command, Rowland White has reconstructed the flight and its preparation in gripping detail.

Squadron Leader Martin Withers was the captain of Vulcan 607 ~ ‘Black Buck 1’ ~ and he was awarded the DFC for his part in this epic mission. He subsequently flew 607 on the final Black Buck 7 mission (12 June 1982) and dropped more bombs on Port Stanley airfield.  He is now a part of the Vulcan 558 team and carries out taxy-runs.

‘Vulcan 607 is one helluva great flying story. Rowland White’s gripping narrative reads like a suspense thriller, yet every word is true. The RAF’s around-the-world strike at Stanley airport in 1982 with worn-out, obsolete airplanes flown with dauntless courage, grim determination, unmatched professionalism and superb skill was a dazzling feat of arms that set the stage for British victory in the Falklands.’    Stephen Coonts

An epic book to emerge from the Falklands War, neatly signed by the captain of Vulcan XM607.