Tornado

In the Eye of the Storm

By: John Nichol

Narrated by: Andrew Wincott

Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Former 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, setting in motion a chain of events that had unimaginable political, military and personal repercussions, which still reverberate around the globe today.

This is the story of the aircrew at the heart of Operation Desert Storm, almost none of whom had any prior experience of armed combat. It is the story of the Tornado’s missions, of those who did not return - and of the families who watched and waited as one of the most complex conflicts in recent history unfolded live on television. It is a story of untold fear and suffering, and astounding courage in the face of hitherto unimaginable adversity.

©2021 John Nichol (P)2021 Simon & Schuster UK

Brilliant

This is really a superb book. More than just a book on the Tornado it also covers an area of personal interest, and that was the early air operations in the Gulf War. The author brilliantly interweaves the story of the aircraft and the pilots who flew it along with the families who experienced it in a very different way. The narrator who I believe has narrated the authors other books was very easy to listen to, although for me personally I had the speed at x1.1 as I preferred the pace and delivery at that speed. Was very sad when I came to the end of this book. Highly recommended !!!