2015 marked the centenary of the RAF's No 31 Squadron, now known as the 'Goldstars'. The author of this book was its commanding officer from 1992 to 1994, and edited the squadron association newsletter, so is well qualified to undertake this important history...

... This is an excellent history of an interesting squadron.

Aeroplane Monthly, August 2016

The history of 31 Squadron over the past 100 years is written by Ian Hall, ex-Jaguar and Tornado pilot as well as former Commanding Officer of 31 Sqn. He is the author of Jaguar Boys as well as the editor and writer of the Squadron Association's newsletter, so speaks with authority about the 100 years of 31 Sqn.

31 Sqn have spent 78 out of the last 100 years overseas, which apart from almost certainly being a record, has given them a fascinating history. As long ago as August 1919 they were involved at the end of the Third Anglo Afghan War, and since the squadron were also deployed in that area this century, it serves to show how difficult is it to solve human conflict in certain parts of the world. The front cover showing a BE2C and a pair of Tornado GR4's illustrates the time span well.

Anyone with a sense of history will be interested to read how 31 Sqn, equipped with Dakotas, took part in the airlift of civilian refugees during the Indian Independence/Partition period in 1947. Wherever there is conflict, you will find refugees.

Moving to more recent times, the author talks about fast jets and how the small and sleek Jaguar replaced the mighty Phantom in Germany. The aircraft were parked in the same hanger for a time, and the Jaguar engineers would regularly open the doors to find a saucer of milk in front of each Jaguar. There is also the account of the famous occasion when a Phantom shot down a Jaguar...

The book boasts high quality paper with many good photos, and is a very good read.

The Log, Summer 2016 - Andy Brown

Goldstar Century presents 31 Squadron's history in an objective style and closes the circle by documenting its most recent operations in Afghanistan.

Aeromilitaria Summer 2016

This lively and informative narrative is interspersed with first-hand accounts taken from interviews conducted with the men who made/make up the squadron.

Pennant May 2016

A detailed history of 31 Squadron, which marked its centenary in 2015. The lively narrative is interspersed with first-hand accounts from past and present personnel from the unit.

FlyPast - March 2016

As featured in

RAF News - Friday, January 15th, 2016

Considering the large numbers of sorties flown by, for instance, No 31 Sqn's Dakotas in 1944 or its Tornados on Operation TELIC in 2003, we are presented with first-hand accounts of only a relative handful, but I was left with a very clear impression of life on the squadron at the time. It is also necessary to lighten the tone with personal recollections focusing, in particular, and frequently, on aspects of squadron life other than flying and fighting. It is a balancing act and 'A Goldstar Century' does it extremely well. The result has been to create an impression of 31 Squadron as a 'family' with continuity ensured by an active Association to which the author often refers and whose contribution he repeatedly acknowledges.
Recommended.

The Royal Air Force Historical Society Journal 62

'… it is a fascinating read with numerous personal reflections and first-hand accounts of life on the squadron over the past 10 decades.'

'… marvellous and accessible insight...'

Eastern Daily Press