Argentinian anti-aircraft fire had brought down at least one Harrier pilot before the gun barrels were depressed and turned against the Paras.

General Leaf acknowledged that British Harrier pilots had seen a convoy in the area and had identified it as containing refugees.

The problem was, the LSO was a Harrier pilot and had not landed the "long way" on a carrier since Pensacola and T-84s.

All the other pilots suddenly started to give Harrier pilots, mostly semisuicidal Marines, a wide berth in a furball; they were likely to fly right up your nostrils.

That Harrier pilot knew what he was doing.

Most services demand great aptitude and extensive training for Harrier pilots, as well as experience in piloting both types of aircraft.

France provided dissimilar aircraft training so Harrier pilots could train against the French aircraft used by Argentina.

But it was here that the Harrier pilot did a curious thing.

Speaking from his home in Grenada, he said his son had "put his neck on the block" to represent the views of all Harrier pilots.

The Harrier pilot reported that "it was a Brazilian Airliner, with all the normal navigation and running lights on."