David Watkins has produced an extensive look at the Jet Provost and Strikemaster after years of painstaking research assisted by veterans and historians. From Jet Provost to Strikemaster is a work of narrative and technical detail which will satisfy the most avid aviation fans.
As a versatile and undemanding aircraft, the Jet Provost established itself as the basic trainer for the RAF from the late 1950s until its retirement in September 1993. In Jet Provost Boys, David Watkins explores the history of this magnificent flying machine through the vivid memories of former air crew from the RAF and foreign air forces.
Set in a hauntingly desolate landscape, the narrative explores themes of loss and longing through the eyes of its complex characters. As they navigate their intertwined fates, the story delves into the emotional and psychological voids left by absence. With rich, evocative prose, the book captures the struggle for connection and understanding in a world that often feels empty. The interplay between memory and reality creates a poignant atmosphere, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
This is the seventh consecutive season in which I've documented my story of following Leeds United home and away. In many ways this 2016/2017 season formed a bit of a bookend with that of 2010/2011 when, coincidentally we had a half decent side and finished 7th in the Championship under Simon Grayson. We scored a boatload more goals under Grayson but equally conceded a lot more too and that gives a clue as to the strengths and weaknesses in the current squad. The seasons in between then and now saw Leeds almost torn apart with a succession of owners seemingly hell bent on destruction and apparently picking managers and players randomly hoping for a combination that just happened to gel; it never did. During 2016/17 Andrea Radrizzani appeared like a knight on a white charger to assume partial control in a calm and seemingly sensible manner whilst in Garry Monk Leeds had a manager almost perfect for the task of moulding our group of young starlets together with some astute purchases. At the time of writing we don't know if Monk will be retained or which players will either be retained or pledge their futures with us but if the bulk of the squad can be kept together and a few more quality players added then surely next season we'll again be in the mix to finally get out of this damned Championship!
A Definitive History of the Basic and Counter-Insurgent Aircraft at Home and Overseas
Focusing on the evolution of the Hunting/BAC Jet Provost and Strikemaster, this book explores their pivotal roles in the Royal Air Force's comprehensive flying training program. It delves into the design, development, and operational history of these aircraft, highlighting their significance in shaping RAF training practices. Through detailed accounts and insights, the narrative captures the technological advancements and contributions made by these planes in preparing future pilots.
The de Havilland Vampire was the second of the RAF's first-generation post- WWII jets. It began as an interceptor but was soon re-tasked in the day fighter/ground attack roles with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany from 1948-54 and with the RAF's Middle and Far East Forces. It formed the backbone of the RAF's night-fighter force between 1952-67.
The fifth book in the series as the author continues to follow Leeds United home and away. This is the story of the 2014/2015 season, another one full of controversy and chaos off the pitch and ultimately failure on it.
Ever feel like the young fighter who swings, pounds and hammers his way into the ring of life. After a few rounds of hits and misses we learn to defend and protect what becomes our personality, our love, our life. Eventually we grow tired of the struggle and move from the ropes to our corner and hopefully before we are taken from the ring there is at least a faint applause. Poems like Flowers of Freedom and Life's Sweet Music stimulate the realization of how important you are in the circle of your acquaintance. What the Children Think and many others will touch your heart for the family and Pa Pas' Table will teach that with luck we will all get old and need the love of others. My experiences, my heart and the lessons I expose in Poetic Matters of Life may not present the world any great wisdom but perhaps my poetic ignorance will demand your consideration. and then your wisdom will be exposed by the benefit you reap.
The latest offering from David Watkins documenting his travels following Leeds United as they struggle to get back to the top tier of English football. This book covers the 2012/2013 season, a season that in many ways was so similar to the previous one. It began with the optimism and belief that new manager Neil Warnock would achieve the 8th promotion of his career and put Leeds back to where they belong, in the Premiership. But against a background of cash flow problems for the club, a change of ownership, and a consequent lack of a few quality players, Warnock's reign ended on April Fools' Day, with Leeds closer to relegation than promotion. The book covers all 55 competitive games, including the memorable League and FA Cup runs that saw Leeds beat the likes of Southampton, Everton, and Spurs. The author was present at all bar one of the games - he only missed the game at Cardiff while enjoying a family holiday in the USA. It is ultimately a tale of frustration as the team just lacked a few quality players who could have turned a few close games in Leeds' favour, but there are laughs as well as tears along the way as he describes what it is like to follow one of the best supported clubs in the country. At the end of it all, there was a sense of deja vu about everything that happened this season.