David Watkins

For ten years, Captain Peter Knowles has been at the front line of Britain's defence against the wolf threat. Attacks have declined and wolf sightings have decreased. However, a botched mission in London reveals a new threat. This wolf pack has information Knowles has tried to keep secret. They know Jack Stadler is alive. And they know where to find him... Praise for David Watkins: "Great monsters and dynamic characters make this brutal, bloody, brilliant novel an essential read." - Tim Lebbon, author of The Last Storm"a heart thumping, balls-to-the-wall thriller with some pretty neat plot twists. Highly recommended." - Dave Jeffery, author of the A Quiet Apocalypse series"...pitch-perfect action sequences combine with the wild Celtic magic to create a genuinely thrilling experience" - JIM MCLEOD, GINGERNUTS OF HORROR "...a wonderful mix of old school horror story and psychological mind games." - GBHBL.COM

This book covers the complete and long overdue history of the Hunting/BAC Jet Provost and Strikemaster, which for thirty-eight years trained generations of pilots and pioneered the RAF’s all-through flying training programme. Originally designed and built in 1951 as a private venture by Percival Aircraft in Luton, the Jet Provost became the primary jet-powered training aircraft for the RAF following a series of experimental courses at RAF Hullavington in 1955. By 1957, there was a contract for the production order of 100 Jet Provost T Mk. 3s. The Jet Provost even had a display flying team between 1958 and 1976 but was eventually withdrawn from RAF service in July 1993. The development of the BAC 167 Strikemaster in the 1960s saw a light-attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency operations and predominantly used by overseas air forces. Adopted by thirteen air forces, both types have seen an array of action – from the Dhofar War to operating as close support and counter-insurgency against well-armed, communist-back guerrillas. Despite some 723 Jet Provost and Strikemaster airframes produced between 1954 and 1983, these aircraft have been overlooked in contrast to other jet types in the same period until now. David Watkins has produced an extensive look at these aircraft after years of painstaking research assisted by veterans and historians. Having accessed the archives of the Warton Collection, he has amassed a range of rare photography to accompany the extraordinary history of these jets. 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. Alongside operating as a basic training aircraft, the Jet Provost had relative success within the civilian and military display flying circuit of the 1960s and 1970s. It was also part of the prestige Golden Eagle Flight at RAF Cranwell which taught the then-Prince of Wales how to fly. When the Jet Provost Mk. 5 model became the BAC 167 Strikemaster after some modifications, it became a counter-insurgency and light-attack aircraft. This capability allowed the aircraft to be sold to air forces around the world including Ceylon, Nigeria, New Zealand, Sudan and Venezuela where it played a reliable and effective role in multiple border disputes and internal warfare. It was crucial to the Sultan of Oman Air Force during the Dhofar War as the intervention of Strikemasters assisted in a significant turning point in the conflict. This book includes a foreword by Squadron Leader Terry Lloyd who was the leader of the 1964–1965 Pelicans display team as well as being illustrated throughout with black and white and colour photos. This latest addition to the Boys series is not to be missed and will appeal to all aviation fans.

THE PLACE HOLLOWED OUT When born the occupied space in the human mind is comparatively empty considering immediately the five human senses begin sending signals for processing and storage and suddenly memories generated by those around us and referred to us as what we are taught become the decisions of behavior, that is, things we did, what we do and what we ought. A different moment for every human being but in due time we learn the process of choice. We're convinced 1 plus 1 is 2 by the outside teacher, and acceptance is taught by an inner voice. A mind that comprehends stars hundreds of thousands of miles away but can appreciate raindrops. Calculates, speculates, contemplates but doesn't know where a simple breeze starts or stops. So the spaces where numbers, letter arrangements, emotions and memories about love or hate provide chemical storage in each of us and is individually controlled as we influence our fate. Chemist, electrician, doctors, surgeons, undeniably the choices can make us weep or sing. Filling that place hollowed out in our mind with what we choose and whatever our life brings. Only a few will read what was intended to mean so much to so many but you may simple reject it. Go ahead read the political, the humor, the love, but don't be surprised if it touches your spirit. The heart disclosed in this writing contains information for that place hollowed out in every mind. It may be only one simple inspiring little poem, perhaps hidden, but that's for you to find.

THE PLACE HOLLOWED OUT When born the occupied space in the human mind is comparatively empty considering immediately the five human senses begin sending signals for processing and storage and suddenly memories generated by those around us and referred to us as what we are taught become the decisions of behavior, that is, things we did, what we do and what we ought. A different moment for every human being but in due time we learn the process of choice. We're convinced 1 plus 1 is 2 by the outside teacher, and acceptance is taught by an inner voice. A mind that comprehends stars hundreds of thousands of miles away but can appreciate raindrops. Calculates, speculates, contemplates but doesn't know where a simple breeze starts or stops. So the spaces where numbers, letter arrangements, emotions and memories about love or hate provide chemical storage in each of us and is individually controlled as we influence our fate. Chemist, electrician, doctors, surgeons, undeniably the choices can make us weep or sing. Filling that place hollowed out in our mind with what we choose and whatever our life brings. Only a few will read what was intended to mean so much to so many but you may simple reject it. Go ahead read the political, the humor, the love, but don't be surprised if it touches your spirit. The heart disclosed in this writing contains information for that place hollowed out in every mind. It may be only one simple inspiring little poem, perhaps hidden, but that's for you to find.

Marcelo Bielsa arrived as Head Coach at Elland Road with a huge reputation behind him and a huge task ahead in getting Leeds United back to the Premier League. He inherited a squad of players that, at times the previous season, looked good enough to achieve that goal but which ultimately fell away. He whittled the squad down to bare minimum numbers and just half a dozen new faces arrived. But, from the first kick of a ball after his arrival, it was clear he'd managed to extract far more from these players than we'd ever seen before and he ensured they were the fittest in the division. 'Bielsaball' was born and it took the Championship by storm. Leeds were top of the pile again at Christmas and with only three league defeats. At times, the football Leeds played was scintillating. As the new year dawned though, problems emerged. Leeds suffered an endless stream of injuries and the new players added little quality. The defeats mounted up and between Christmas and the season's end Leeds lost a further 12 games. Automatic promotion went to Norwich and Sheffield United and Leeds were pitched into the play-offs. David Watkins was at every game, from the first pre-season match to the season ending defeat to Derby and this is his blow by blow account of events on and off the pitch throughout a remarkable season. It is the ninth such book from the author and, once again, he captures the joy, the despair, the hope and the humour of following one of the most iconic teams in English football.

The definitive book on an iconic aircraft. Illustrated throughout with a varied and interesting selection of images, many previously unpublished. An early jet aircraft that collected many notable firsts including the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic and the first jet to land on an aircraft carrier. Comprehensive appendices covering serial allocations, production, export details and preserved airframes. The de Havilland Vampire was the second of the RAF's first-generation, post-Second World War jet fighters to enter service. It began life 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 to 1954 and with the RAF's Middle and Far East Air Forces. Throughout its forty-six-year career, it collected many notable firsts: it was the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic; the first jet to land on an aircraft carrier; and the first jet trainer on which student pilots qualified for their 'Wings'. In addition to playing a full part in the RAF's order of battle during the 1940s and 1950s, the Vampire also served with the Fleet Air Arm and became an export success story for the British aircraft industry with hundreds sold to air forces worldwide. For a brief period during the 1950s, the Vampire formed the backbone of the RAF's night-fighter force and between 1952 and 1967 the Vampire trainer was responsible for a steady flow of trained pilots for the RAF, Royal Navy and foreign air forces. This comprehensive history covers the Vampire's development and operational service. It has been written with the full co-operation of the manufacturer, MoD, RAF and other world air forces, mixing narrative and technical detail with vivid personal accounts from those involved with the aircraft. Comprehensive appendices include technical specifications, production details, serials and export details. It is also lavishly illustrated and includes more than one story of encounters with UFOs by RAF Vampire pilots.

This book covers the complete and long overdue history of the Hunting/BAC Jet Provost and Strikemaster, which for thirty-eight years trained generations of pilots and pioneered the RAF’s all-through flying training programme. Here, David Watkins has produced an extensive look at these aircraft after years of painstaking research assisted by veterans and historians. Having accessed the archives of the Warton Collection, he has amassed a range of rare photography to accompany the extraordinary history of these jets. From Jet Provost to Strikemaster is a work of narrative and technical detail which will satisfy the most avid aviation fans.

"I don't want to die in a pub in Devon..."There is a pub in the heart of Dartmoor where a fire has burned every day for over one hundred and fifty years.It is said the fire never goes out.It is said that if it does, the Devil will appear and claim the souls of all inside.Tonight, seven strangers are stranded there during a fierce snowstorm.Tonight, the fire will go out...Praise for David Watkins"...gut twisting scenes..." 4* Joe X Young, Gingernuts of Horror"..a damn entertaining read.." - DLS Reviews"Great horror I couldn't put the book down" 4.5*, Pamela Kinney, Ismellsheep.com

Sergeant Peter Knowles has sworn to hunt down the remaining wolves in Britain and kill them all. He wants revenge for the massacre that took the lives of his friends. The wolf packs are scattered and scared, but someone new has started to galvanise them. Someone terrifying. Someone closer to Knowles than he could ever suspect.Praise for David Watkins: "...gut twisting scenes..." 4* Joe X Young, Gingernuts of Horror"..a damn entertaining read.." - DLS Reviews"Great horror I couldn't put the book down" 4.5*, Pamela Kinney, Ismellsheep.com

RAF Chivenor, situated in North Devon, closed as an operational station in October 1995. In The Perfect Aerodrome: A History of RAF Chivenor 1932-1995, David Watkins records many aspects of the airfield's long and interesting history-from its early days as a grass aerodrome in the 1930s, to its perilous anti-submarine operations during the Second World War, through its mundane post-war role of anti-aircraft duties and ferrying, and finally the exciting fast-jet training role of No. 229 OCU and No. 2 TWU. This fascinating book was compiled with the support of official archives, respected historians, and former RAF personnel, including four ex-commanding officers who provided first-hand accounts. It also includes an impressive selection of photographs, chosen from an extensive archive and published for the first time.

"He's tearing him apart Help us, please, God help us " Sergeant Peter Knowles has seen it all: in Afghanistan he witnessed death on a level that no-one should walk away from. Returning to Britain, he jumps at the chance to lead a small team in Devon. The task sounds more like a holiday; exactly what Knowles and his men need. The mission: watch Jack Stadler. When the first dismembered body is found, Knowles begins to realise he has made a terrible mistake..."David Watkins has a clear writing style that immediately sucks you into the story, his is a confiding hand on your shoulder, that later becomes a vice-like grip that you can't escape" - 4*, Kate Genet, Horror Novel Reviews "Great horror I couldn't put the book down" 4.5*, Pamela Kinney, Ismellsheep.com