Accolades and Reviews
Accolades
“If Sharkey Ward had not disobeyed orders, we would/could not have won the Falklands war.”
“From the moment we embarked as Invincible went operational in June ’81 our two squadrons bonded to form a most cohesive air group. This yielded enormous dividends, particularly during the Falklands campaign. I could not have operated with a finer or more considerate fighter squadron CO.”
“Never has a Division been run so well from a horizontal position!”
“Sharkey Ward is absolutely a Douglas Bader type of character, a kind of gallant figure … He is kind of all guns blazing, front-footed – very much a kind of Orde Wingate, David Stirling … He just had a presence about him that inspired confidence – our legendary fighter ace.”
“Sharkey was the best boss I ever had by a long, long way!”
“Sharkey Ward’s book will come as a revelation to anyone who thinks that a fighter pilot’s prelude to battle is a matter of kicking the tires, lighting the fires and heading for the wide blue yonder. Painstaking preparation of his squadron, superlative personal flying skills, and a determination to engage the enemy more closely, made Sharkey Ward a fighter leader in the mould of Bader, Johnson Ball and others in the past.
To those of us who day after day watched the air attacks on the ships in San Carlos, the best news was the number of Argentine aircraft splashed after each raid. As the Sea Harriers whittled down the enemy, so our admiration for the Fleet air arm increased. Without them we would not have won.”
“No other ship has contributed so much to the success of the Task Force group operations [as Invincible].”
“While everyone on board played a significant role, not least 820 squadron with nine Sea Kings – they flew the equivalent of once around the world often in appalling weather without the loss of an aircraft – it must be 801 Squadron, the Sea Harriers, who take the ship’s honours for the campaign. This small body of men, under Lieutenant Commander ‘Sharkey’ Ward, faced the enemy at close range. They had been reinforced by some aircraft of 899 squadron. They shot down nine aircraft, of which Sharkey shot down three, including a Hercules transport.”
Chosen to represent the pilots of the Falklands War.
Sculptor: Pavol Ovečka, Slovakia. offo@zoznam.sk
Available from: Ross Mitchel, UK. rossmitchel84@gmail.com
Reviews 'How Strategic Airpower Has Changed The World Order'
Not everyone will agree with the balance of strategic thought and personal experience struck in this book, but all readers should surely see it as strong advocacy for a capability which, as the book shows, is a vital strategic instrument. The wider and better informed the debate, the greater must be the prospect of finding the right answers we so much need. The authors provide a most useful contribution to that important debate.
One of the world’s finest scholars of military history.
The key role of air power across an important range of spheres arises clearly from this cogent ably written and highly significant volume. The examples are very well selected, and this book richly deserves attention.
Mentioned in Dispatches, HMS Brilliant, Falklands War. Two Sea Commands.
Against the background of the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands, which was but a ‘skirmish’ when viewed against the World turbulence being injected by the communist dictatorships of Russia and China today, Tony Wells and Sharkey Ward’s magnum opus reads as a cri de cœur, but one is bound to wonder if their well-informed recommendations are just too late.
Before reading this book, I was not aware of the intense opposition that some senior figures in the British Government and the Ministry of Defence had against U.K.’s Strategic Naval Aviation component.
From the aviation enthusiast to students of military history and strategy, to state-level leaders, this is a great book to learn from, to have in the library, and to which to refer.
This book ought to be required reading at the Royal Air Force College and Britannia Royal Naval College. As our shrinking world has eroded the effective distance between Britain and her detractors, so has arisen the military imperative to correct this creeping vulnerability. The authors herein handily persuade that such a perilous strategic imbalance can only be put right through the existence of a full time, global-reach air and maritime capability. Dr. Anthony Wells and Commander “Sharkey” Ward have coupled their unassailable research with gripping, first person combat narrative. The result is an informed and impassioned appeal for a robust and durable strategic air capability for the island nation. Whitehall, take notice!
This is a critical book that exemplifies the fine working relationship of the Royal Navy and the US Navy in an increasingly challenging world.
As someone formerly responsible for highly classified programs including joint US-UK research and development, I thoroughly recommend this must-read book of great distinction.
Reviews 'Her Majesty's Top Gun'
Her Majesty’s Top Gun and the Decline of the Royal Navy.
“Sharkey Ward is a fine Gus Halliday look alike. They were made in the same mould. They were both distinguished naval aviators, both saw what was needed and why, and both took different steps to make things worked at their different levels and roles of responsibility.
His long-awaited new book, “Her Majesty’s Top Gun”, is out, coming at the right time to set the record straight. It’s a great read. I was privileged for Sharkey to invite me to read his terrific manuscript. It’s a wonderful epic story.
In my humble opinion Sharkey is the UK’s most distinguished naval aviator since World War Two.
Every member of Britain’s Parliament, government, and all the Five Eyes allies should read “Her Majesty’s Top Gun”, together with the allies’ defense and security communities.
The layperson will enjoy this book too. It’s gripping.
Gus Halliday would applaud.”
Vice Admiral Sir Roy William “Gus” Halliday, KBE, DSC (27 June 1923 – 23 November 2007) was a British naval pilot who saw service in the Second World War in the British Pacific Fleet and subsequently became Director-General Intelligence in Britain’s Defence Intelligence Staff from 1981 to 1984.
Best book
“Just wanted to say best book I have ever read … I know things move on but what a job you boys did for us. All the best, Gary.”
One of Britain’s great pilots.
“Very good book.”
Top Gun
“A fascinating book with a personal touch on the trials and tribulations of a FAA pilot, a great story.”
The author really knows what he’s writing about; he’s been there and done that
“I like that the author doesn’t mince his words, and he “shoots from the hip”.”
Very good thought provoking read.
“I’m already sold on carrier strike capability being the best option for the UK but this book raised many troubling questions on whether many of our major weapons programs have provided any value for money. It would have got 5 stars if some of claims were backed up with a few more facts and figures but the man definitely has a point! Sharkey’s personal story is an entertaining read too.”
No pulled punches, Sharkey Ward on fire!
“Compulsory reading for national politicians, especially for those on the Defence Select Committee. The informed views of a fast jet pilot who was probably Britain’s top ‘Top Gun’.”
Another great read!
“1st book was a great read and this is the same. 100% recommend. Very sad what happened to the Navy Fleet Air Arm. Never forgotten.”
TOP GUN, FLEET AIR ARM STALWART.
“I was with 892 Squadron when he was the CO. A must read for those who remember the Cats & Traps & the terrible demise of a once proud Fleet Air Arm.”
Excellent book – what a life he has led!
“Superb book – hard to put down. Sharkey is a bit of a lad and his outspoken views and lust for life have landed him in the pickle more than once. But his mastery of his subject and, above all, his communication skills make this a worthy successor to his previous book about his time over the Falklands. He is passionate about his subject and is unsparing in his criticism of dumb politicians and arrogant RAF types.”
Reviews 'Sea Harrier over the Falklands'
Extraordinary story by an extraordinary officer & aviator
“Sharkey Ward, CO of 801 Squadron RNAS, demonstrates what keen, knowledgeable leadership does in planning and fighting. An extraordinary pilot of the SHAR (Sea Harrier), he trains his pilots at the cutting edge of their jet and their weapons systems. His descriptions of flying and fighting are simply wonderful and even more wonderful because they are in the unique Sea Harrier.
Although the Navy (fish heads) and the RAF massaged the record of the Falklands War to the exclusion of the RNAS and 801 Squadron on HMS Invincible and to a lesser degree 800 Squadron on HMS Hermes, Sharkey Ward sets the story right. He’s a really fine writer with an excellent “voice.” The reader is taken into the meetings that matter, the relative quiet of his private quarters and the cockpit of the SHAR. In a compelling and clear way, he shows the folly of MOD and political thinking in the UK to the peril of the fleet, especially its protection at sea and at distance from RAF coverage. Not surprisingly, he’s a powerful and thoughtful advocate of the SHAR and VSTOL aircraft as a weapons system that has proven it superiority in training and in battle.
By way of conclusion, I would love to buy a Scotch for Sharkey Ward and to raise my own glass in toast to a truly great Naval officer, aviator and writer. Thanks Sharkey.”
A great chronicle of the SHAR in The South Atlantic!
“It was a great reference when putting together my recently published book; ‘Harrier” The illustration is a painting I did to show Sharkey Ward shooting down an Argentine Pucara during the Falklands War.”
Best book of its kind
“I have been editing military books for more than 20 years and this is the best book of its kind that I have ever read.”
From the Author: “I wish to highly commend this website’s designer and producer, Daniela Froehlich-Ruggle, for her deft skills, rapid responsiveness and dedication to the task: info@act-artanddesign.com .”