A fast paced thrilling read. But quite a lot of jargon in places. ( )

Personally, I think [a:Rowland White|372663|Rowland White|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66-251a730d696018971ef4a443cdeaae05.jpg]'s Phoenix Squadron is even better than [b:Vulcan 607|13734377|Vulcan 607|Rowland White|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356444588s/13734377.jpg|19367683]! The story goes far beyond the core event, where aircraft from the Ark Royal are tasked with a mission which is a true record breaker. The wealth of history included, and the vivid descriptions, are worth reading regardless of the actual point of the tale.

With Britain looking to scrap her strike carriers, Ark Royal earns a brief reprieve. That means that the Fleet Air Arm (the Royal Navy's air force) enjoys a similar brief stay of execution for their fixed wing aircraft. It proves fortunate indeed when Guatemala is proven to be on the brink of invading British Honduras, Britain's sole remaining American mainland colony. The colony is aiming for independence, as the sovereign state of Belize. Unfortunately, it lacks any means to defend itself. And that's where the Fleet Air Arm comes in. Britain must prove a willingness to defend Belize and only the Buccaneer squadron aboard HMS Ark Royal can react quickly, so far from home.

Rowland White covers both sides of the crisis, and draws together the threads with skill. I would recommend this book to everybody interested in aviation history, naval history, and a general audience who simply enjoy a great true story. ( )

Disappointing. Whilst there is no doubting the professionalism and bravery of the men of the Royal Navy, the actual story is a bit of a non-event. Correspondingly there is lots of 'filler' material which pads the book out a bit.

Some of the details may be of interest to military buffs but one has the overwhelming impression that the author was struggling to hit his word count which is not really surprising when the story could probably be adequately told in 500 words.

If you are looking for fast jet action then I would avoid.

Having said that, the author has a very clear and dramatic style, well suited to this kind of subject so I would certainly give Vulcan 607 a shot. ( )

Not in quite the same class as his previous book, Vulcan 607.

If you are fascinated by Naval operations, are interested in recent history, or are simply amazed at the skills and bravery of carrier pilots, you will be fascinated by this book.

On the other hand, if you are quickly bored by operational details, post-colonial politics, and the background to post-World War II Naval flight development, best keep well away.

You'll either like it a lot or be completely bored. I liked it a lot. ( )

Despite its periodic bittiness “Phoenix Squadron” remains a useful addition to the body of literature on the phenomenon of gunboat diplomacy in its coverage of the Belize/Guatemala incident. Indeed, while the dispute over British Honduras has a long history giving rise to successful British applications of purposeful force dating back at least to 1948's deployment of Sheffield and Devonshire, yet there is little narrative history on the nuts and bolts of how the Royal Navy was able to successfully shape Guatemalan policy and how limited naval force can be used for political ends.

For full review please see:
http://southlondonbook.blogspot.com/2009/04/phoenix-squadron-rowland-white.html ( )