This lecture will address the birth of the Harrier’s predecessors at a time of uncertainty over the future of manned combat aircraft and the continuing efforts by those who believed in their validity. The presenter will describe the development of the aircraft dispersed concepts of operation which went on to serve the country superbly at times of need. Jock will touch on the conflicting views within the Ministry of Defence in 1976 over the options for enhancing the Royal Air Force offensive support front line when the policy was to allow the Harrier Force to run down by the late 1980s. However, a combination of circumstances subsequently led to a change in policy. The ways in which common sense prevailed and how the Service(s) gained an enhanced capability which served the country well until its premature withdrawal in 2010 will also be outlined.