From Auster to Apache – The history of 656 Squadron RAF/AAC 1942-2012.

By:  Guy Warner,  author of more than 20 books on aviation.
Read reviews of this book here:  Amazon reviews.

Foreword by General Sir John Learmont KCB, CBE, a former 656 Squadron pilot.

The book covers in detail the first 70 years of the Squadron’s history, from directing artillery in Auster light aircraft during the Burma Campaign in WW2, to being the artillery in the air, flying the fearsome Apache Attack Helicopter, in Afghanistan and Libya, with involvement in the Korean and Falklands wars, among others,  in the years between.

It draws heavily on unpublished unit histories, personal diaries, interviews with retired and serving Squadron members, and the extensive archives held by both the Association itself and the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

Illustrated by more than 30 colour and 70 black & white photos (many never before published), as well as numerous maps;  the book’s eight appendices include the Squadron’s Roll of Honour, and its impressive list of Honours & Awards.

Commissioned by the Association, we are now able to offer this book heavily discounted from the cover price of £25.00 / US $50.00.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. England 1942–1943
2. India and Burma 1943–1945
3. Malaya, Java and Sumatra 1945–1947
4. Malaya and Korea 1948–1960
5. Malaya (Malaysia), Brunei and Borneo 1961–1969
6. Hong Kong 1969–1977
7. UK and Rhodesia 1978–1981
8. The Falkland Islands 1982
9. UK, Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo 1983–2002
10. The Apache – UK, Afghanistan and Libya 2003–2012
Conclusion

Appendix 1 Roll of Honour
Appendix 2 Honours and Awards
Appendix 3 OCs
Appendix 4 Aircraft Types & example Serial Numbers
Appendix 5 The Spirit of 656 in 1944
Appendix 6 Memories of Peter Short – Malaya 1952–1955
Appendix 7  Bumph 1954
Appendix 8 Malaya – a view from REME 1958–1961
Bibliography
Index

Product details

• Hardcover: 314 pages
• Photographs: 30 Colour and 70 black & white
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation; 1st Edition (31 May 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1781590982
• ISBN-13:  978-1781590980
• Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.5 x 2.5 cm
• Weight: 0.95 Kg