Description
Book SynopsisFormer Tornado Navigator John Nichol tells the incredible story of the RAF Tornado force during the First Gulf War in 1991; the excitement and the danger, the fear and the losses. It is an extraordinary account of courage and fortitude.
‘We were doing about 620 miles-per-hour, 200 feet above the desert, in total darkness. Everything was running on rails as we approached the target. Then all hell broke loose. I remember the missile being fired at us; I broke left and shouted, “Chaff!”
‘All I could see was a flame, like a very large firework, coming towards me. Then there was a huge white flash. I remember an enormous wind and then I was knocked unconscious. My last thoughts were that I was going to die.’
In 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of neighbouring Kuwait, sett
Trade Review
'Gripping…A story of unrivalled bravery' * Daily Express *
'He has used his extensive knowledge and contacts to create a well-rounded record of the Tornado strike force during the Gulf War. He... brings the experience of flying and fighting the aircraft to life in a dramatic but expert fashion... Nichol combines a professional eye for the technicalities with the human stories to create a readable and informative work, and a fitting tribute to those who did not come home.' * History of War *
‘Nichol superbly interleaves graphic stories of combat with the effects on those left at home. The author describes combat with a superbly written dispassionate voice, relating the technicalities and feelings of modern combat clearly and with a style that takes you seamlessly from the Tornado’s cockpit to the fears of those left at home … This is a fine book to join his “biographies” of the Spitfire and Lancaster … And one of the best pieces of sharp-end military history I have had the privilege and pleasure of reading.’ * The Aviation Historian *
