Book excerpt: This collection of stories from Royal Air Force groundcrew reveals the critical operations and thrilling drama of Cold War hangars and airfields. Groundcrew Boys shares true stories of life on the flight line, written by those who served. Twenty engineers recall stories from combat zones around the world, working with aircraft as diverse as the Phantom, the Shackleton and the Sea Harrier. From humorous and ribald tales to thought provoking remembrances, these stories leave no doubt about the dedication and professionalism of those who served. Aviation author David Gledhill presents helpful historical context for each story, while numerous photographs, many from the groundcrew themselves, help bring their experiences to life.