Scram!: The Gripping First-hand Account of the Helicopter War in the Falklands

Written by Harry Benson

Narrated by Johnnie Benson

*40th anniversary audio edition*

In April 1982 Harry Benson was a 21 year-old Royal Navy commando helicopter pilot, fresh out of training and one of the youngest helicopter pilots to serve in the Falklands War. These pilots, nicknamed 'junglies', flew most of the land-based missions in the Falklands in their Sea King and Wessex helicopters. Much of what happened in the war -- the politics, task force ships, Sea Harriers, landings, Paras and Marines -- is well-known and documented. But almost nothing is known of the young commando helicopter pilots and aircrewmen who made it all happen on land and sea. This is their 'Boys Own' story, told for the very first time.

Harry Benson has interviewed forty of his former colleagues for the book creating a tale of skill, initiative, resourcefulness, humour, luck, and adventure. This is a fast-paced, meticulously researched and compelling account written by someone who was there, in the cockpit of a Wessex helicopter. 

None of these pilots has spoken before about:

- The two helicopter crashes and eventual rescue following a failed SAS mission high up on an in hospitable glacier in South Georgia

- The harrowing story of the Exocet strike that sunk the transport ship Atlantic Conveyor

- The daring missile raid on the Argentine high command in Port Stanley

- The constant mortar fire faced while supporting troops and evacuating casualties

- The hair-raising head-on attacks by Argentine jets on British helicopters

- The extraordinary courage shown during the evacuation of the bombed landing ship 'Sir Galahad' 

If you liked Apache, Vulcan 607 and Chickenhawk, you'll love Scram! The word "Scram" was coined by Falklands helicopter pilots to warn other 'junglies' to go to ground or risk being shot down as Argentinean jets blasted through 'bomb alley'. The term has never been used before or since.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harry Benson
• Release date: Apr 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669676553

Harry Benson

H Harry Benson is one of Britain’s leading champions for marriage. As research director for Marriage Foundation, his findings are routinely cited in the media and by politicians and have made front page news on several occasions. Harry has spent the last twenty years researching, writing and teaching about marriage and family. Harry is the author of Commit or Quit, What Mums Want (and Dads Need to Know), Let's Stick Together, and Mentoring Marriages.

Reviews for Scram!

[Rory · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It’s a collection of stories from British helicopter pilots during the Falkland’s war. I think the author does a good job joining them all together, but despite this the storyline is all over the place. At times it’s difficult to follow. But the stories are good, honest and not embellished.

[BE19Pilot · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am a former US Navy helicopter aircrewman...This is one of the best books I've ever "read" about Naval helicopter operations...I felt like I was in the helicopter with the crews!