The RAF Pilots Tortured During The Gulf War | Tornado Down: Operation Desert Storm | Timeline
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- Опубліковано 25 тра 2017
- Operation Desert Storm was only a day old when Tornado pilots John Peters and John Nichol were shot down in Iraqi territory and subsequently tortured and paraded on TV. Bruised and battered, the two men mumbled incoherently into the camera, and instantly became symbols around the world of Saddam’s savagery and aggression. In Tornado Down the two pilots break their silence, and in a series of moving and candid interviews, reveal the physical and psychological torment they suffered at the hands of their captors; the brutal torture sessions; the elation of their release; and their determination not to crack in the face of such cruelty and humiliation.
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Reading the comments its clear that most of you think this is from the invasion of Iraq post 9/11. This is the FIRST gulf war that was fought to liberate
Kuwait following the invasion by Iraq in 1990. At least try to understand what it is you are looking at before commenting.
Most of them probably weren't born in -91 so it's out of their frame of reference.
They just keep parroting the same "There were no WMDs in Iraq, the war was a lie", not even understanding they are talking about the wrong war.
Also something most people misunderstand is that there have been several finds of WMDs in Iraq, just not any nuclear weapons.
Several stores of chemical weapons were found (And keep being found, several failed IEDs have turned out to contain chemical artillery shells) the question is just how viable they still are and how much of it is in the hands of IS and similar terrorist organizations at this time.
@@vk3139
What everyone who's always crying about the whole "there was no WMD's" thing don't get is old Sadam WANTED every intelligence agency on the planet to think he had WMD'S, well he got what he wanted.
@@dukecraig2402 Yeah, that too. Practically the same thing North Korea has been pulling for so long. (Except they eventually got their nukes and missiles working, sort of) Desperately trying to appear more dangerous then they are to force the other parties to question everything they know about them. Problem is it can backfire and make the opposition think their only chance is a preemptive strike.
@@vk3139
Yep, and that idiot over in N Korea doesn't have the brains or the understanding of his situation like his dad or grandfather did, they didn't believe their own BS but that idiot does, I hope that this sudden showing of control that has overtaken him recently is on the up and up, even if a single one of my fellow countrymen wouldn't get killed in a war with him I still wouldn't want to see the destruction that would be brought upon the people of S Korea or the people of the North for that matter, but I do believe in taking a firm stance against demigods like him, people can run their mouths on my country all they want but I'll bet they'd rather deal with the US than him.
@@vk3139 As a veteran of the first Iraq war, "desert storm", & prior to that "southern watch". YEAH, the whole WMD story was COMPLETE LIES! All the locals had name for the American forces there. Roughly translated as "the oil thieves". Uf you think we were there for ANY reason other than to steal control of that oil, and stop them from trading it without using the US dollar standard. Your a fool easily tricked by mass media & Gov. lies.
"This is the last time she'll see me and it's not honorable" ... my god man. You two are heroes of the highest order. One of the best documentaries on real heroes I've ever seen and I'm not a young man.
He should never feel like he failed his country or fellow soldier for cracking. No one can put up with pain forever, everyone cracks. They should be proud that they survived in my opinion.
That's just their professionalism. That and the British mentality. We think letting our mates down is as bad as anything else possible. Even if we've not done anything wrong.
Exactly every man has his breaking point, for some punching and kicking is enough others are scared of drowning, electricity, amputation of body parts, or fire or all of the above no man can put up with all of that for days, weeks, month’s or years.
@phyllis brady source?
STORY FROM THE KILLERS
Bravo brave men! You’re hero’s in my book!
What a superb and moving documentary. Just allowing them to sit there and talk and tell their side of the story and that was it. More need to be like this.
Agree. No f'in dramatic music, just amazing documentary
I was flying with VAQ-130 CVW-3 from CV-67 in the Red Sea in 1991. I was airborne on a strike when these guys went down. So glad they came home. Brave guys these Tornado drivers.
give them a happy hour and they r fine lol
I'm Iraqi im sorry for what happened, my father had to flee saddam in his 80s and my uncle died a few months after the gulf war since he opposed the regime.
Imagine suffering interrogation only to get blown up by friendly fire.
Peters is quite obviously reliving the whole thing throughout this interview.
yes you can tell his focus or his gaze is kind of off and not focused on the interviewer. hes going through it in his mind
The young pilot was seriously holding back tears talking about all of this. The utmost respect to these men, they served their country well and we all appreciate and love them for the awful experience they went through as sacrifice for protecting us and others!
How is invading an foreign country 3000 miles away protecting you ? Ah yes.. by grabbing natural resources your island doesnt have like OIL, so you can enjoy your way of life by walking over dead bodies!
Very democratic!
They deserved worse. When you drop bombs on people and they catch you doing it, you should not expect VIP red carpet treatment.
@@imatanyani Except they didnt drop bombs on 'people' They were attacking a military target (airfield) and in the end had to jetison their bombs on the first mission when they were hit. Unlike Russia who deliberately targets civilians.
@@imatanyaniThey were dropping bombs on an airfield of an invading Iraqi force. That’s a legitimate military target. Furthermore you are entitled to humane treatment as a POW. What the Iraqis did to the aircrew was a war crime.
The beating of these two POW Brit pilots blew through our ranks like fire....we were chewing at the bit for payback....and we got it....U.S. Marine Corps, Task Force Taro, Desert Storm....Semper Fi my Brit brothers!
Good man well said
🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸
So you got mad that people who invaded and bombed another country got captured and punished for dropping bombs on them??? Ok
Makes me upset in a fundamental way
Wonder how many want pay back for water boarding
Hardy souls. Puts silly wee problems into perspective. I was a child when the first Gulf War was kicking off and I remember seeing these guys on television. Even as a 13 year old teen, I was sickened by the sight of poor John Peters looking so battered and broken. True gentlemen who deserve every bit of respect.
@Michael Moretti I do believe that in the above documentary they detail being beaten up chum. I take it actually watched it?
Ok boomer
@Michael Moretti perhaps you where dropped as a child and it's not your fault you say stupid things
Quite harrowing to hear their accounts of the torture they underwent. One only has to look at John Peters' body language; legs and arms crossed quite tightly, having to relive the experience all over again. I imagine these poor guys had to have a ton of therapy afterwards. Brave lads - Per Ardua Ad Astra.
Mmm.. They were carrying 1000lb payload so they were not their to give choclates to children
R.I.P. Flt. Lt. Simon Burgess. He is neither of the pilots depicted here. He also survived an ejection and capture during this war, but sadly was killed whilst flying a Hawk sortie in the U.K. From the short time I knew him, I was impressed with his humility, wit, and love for life.
A true gent and a sad loss in a unfortunate accident, RIP Budgie
The names don't match which one was that
No that sucks
no peace for killer 🏴☠️
@@partizan6631 Have you got more respect from the killers on the floor? The ones fighting on behalf of a repressive dictator who’s secret police are responsible for 250k deaths? Are you in favour of the Dujail massacre too?
I guess I’d be more concerned if you liked him, considering you like genocide
“What is your name?”
“John”
“How about you?”
“John”
“Are you making fun of us?!”
Peters and Nickels are heroes in the eyes of this American Soldier, (now retired) . I believe they conducted themselves as bravely as possible, well above the expectation of any warrior. God bless you both. Never hang your head in shame. Thank you for your honorable service to the free world.
Black Feather, I absolutely agree with you. This RAF crew is honorable and full of courage. My hats off to these young men.
No matter your nationality well said sir and thankyou for your service
Like anyone else it wasn't their day to go. The Iraqis had all the power in the world to liquidate these young men but did not. And don't play that brave card with me.
I agree they were brave, buy they weren't defending the "free world," they were cannon-fodder for ZOG.
they are british not american soldiers british pilot and navigator. .
Upmost respect to these two. Thank you for serving us as best as you could. You were magnificent.
Some of the toughest men on earth. I’m dual citizen Brit / Yank and I’d love to think that I might have some of the British toughness in me. I’ll never know till I face something as hellish as this. These men are tough and and yet modest. Salute to these guys.
Respect to you for your comment Michael.
island hosting cheers 👍
Michael. It too ama duel citizen (Brit/American). I don't think anyone of us would know how we would react to a sittuation like theirs until we were submitted to it.
@Kenny the G British looted india
@@sukhpindersangha4254 Of it's people?
These guys are heroes. I’m proud to have met and spoken to John Nichol at Mildenhall Air Show. A much bigger thing for me than meeting any celebrity.
Met him at RAF Waddington in 2001
Peters choking up really gets me. Best of British! I watched another interview with him and it’s much later on. Retired and greying hair. These men deserve every good word. They are just amazing. All POWs be it 7 weeks or 7 years have such strength and love of country. Thank you for your service to them and any serviceman, ally reading this. The American part of my family are all military. My British in laws are WW2, BEM vets, my Canadian family received Victoria cross and many awards.
My father was a POW. We both were treated like dirt by some of the very people he was trying to defend.
I forgive but forget no. These people do not care about that. The only time I got to see my dad they kept butting in. I think money was the motive.
As far as I know there was no child support when I was a child.
@Stanley Hood Who was he defending?
I don’t think I could imagine what they fully went through. Their mental strength must be phenomenal. I remember seeing those vids as a kid watching the war. So glad they made it back alive.
Sad thing is we've probably given asylum to some of these scum
@DownWith Imperialism How are they cowards? They did their duty, risking their life attacking Iraqi military targets and tried to liberate Kuwait.
@@Frserthegreenengine fighting for ones own home is one thing but fighting for another's is a completely next level of heroic.
In the Canadian Infantry..... they taught us no matter how tough you are you will eventually talk. It was just a matter of time. The longer you held out....Don't be ashamed gentlemen!!!! I hope your PTSD will not effect you as mine did!!!
You will overcome
Yes, they waterboard you in army training school because they want to show you the effects of the tactics you might be forced to employ. Nobody is able to pass without succumbing to the torture, nobody is meant to.
Why not just cooperate?
I know it's a stupid question, but I would do it. However, I have never had comrade lives rely on me so maybe it would be completely different if a little bit of pain to me could save some friends.
@@aksmex2576 cause once you comply you’re useless to them and expendable while also putting a lot more of your brothers in arms at risk with the information you’re about to spill! At least the longer you hold out the more the info you possess is useless and less of a risk to your brothers at arms! I really hope that you’re never put into the position where you have to determine whether your life is worth more then let’s say 100-1000 of your countrymen and brothers at arms! Does that answer your question?
@@17irod yes it does. That's what I would have thought. I think being a higher ranking officer must be even harder, because they know a lot more.
Although fighting an army with who follows the rules, and treats you with courtesy would be nicer.
Like you can interrogate without torturing.
This channel has very good content. Thank you for the efforts of everyone involved.
Agreed!
Chur ma cuzn!
The bravest of the brave. Total and utter respect for these guys. Thank you for everything you went through.
Mr. John Peters and John Nichol , thank you for your bravery and sacrifice . The pain you withstood is incredible . I don't know that i could have taken it . You are both to be commended . Your country must be very proud of you . I am ! May God bless you both in your lives .
Operation Desert Storm was a relatively short but horrific war for the men and women who were in Iraq and Kuwait. Many of these veterans today are suffering from PTSD from what they saw and experienced and have mysterious illnesses that have slowly disabled many of them. They are heroes but many of their lives were ruined. My brother is one of them.
Hero for invading others country and ruining the civilians, they deserved to be suffered in their entire life.
Seriously. THANK-YOU for your service!
I am so grateful for the safe return of the RAF crew. Happy to see them back home safe and sound with their families.
You did what you had to do!! And limited information was disclosed. My respect to both!! You could see they were beaten and under distress.
There was a piece that a group of SAS soldiers did, they said after a certain amount of time passed and it became obvious that you are missing/possibly captured you can start giving a little bit of information out that is of little to no harm to get your captors to ease up on the abuse like saying if you were the pilot or navigator.
Thanks for your service and sacrifice you both. My respect and admiration. Greetings from Mexico City
Watching you two heros tell your story made me so sad I sobbed the whole time. Thank you for your great service.
Wyoming USA
As an American, when I listen to them talk about being beaten while interrogated my heart gets real heavy and I have a desire to go bring the boys back home. Even though I know they're safe now
Brave,brave men..no reason to think of failing their country. God bless you both..
Glad they returned safe. Hope their minds are at ease after all these years. I can’t imagine the fear and despair they must have felt. From being in full control to nothing... Brave guys 👏🏻
Oh God, what an ordeal both under went. Thank God both are safe.
Salutes to those brave hearts.
love and regards from India. 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏🙏🙏
Such a well told story and amazing footage. Thank you for compiling and posting this
When Peters tells the story now he says they didn’t move or hide and the guys appeared after a short while shooting at them. Brave men. ✌🏻🇬🇧
Absolutely heartbreaking. God bless them both.
Wow in seconds this video has my attention. Well done Gentelmen!
These guys are so well spoken. True gentlemen heros.
Wow, what a fab interview with these two. I remember the 1991 first Gulf war, like I did with the Falklands War in 1982 and am very glad I wasn't involved. I am nearly 65 and recall the TV footage of these two paraded on TV at the time but obviously had little knowledge of their treatment then although John Peters looked very poorly.
I guess lessons will be learned and it just shows that any war is bad. Unfortunately, some 30 years on, it still goes on so, when will us human beings learn from that?
I hope these two are well and stable now.
Oh I could, it was obvious from the pain on peters face that he had been tortured
These guys are heroes. Brave men that did what most of us wouldn't ever be able to. Respect.
@DownWith Imperialism How are they cowards? They did their duty, risking their life attacking Iraqi military targets and tried to liberate Kuwait. The Iraqis were in a foreign country and these pilots were trying to defend Kuwait.
I remember seeing Peters on TV. The way he spoke...I was shocked at the brutality his captors had inflicted on him. Glad he and his crewman returned home.
I remember their beaten faces, from the news at the time, very well. Next year is 30 years ago,but it feels as if it were yesterday!
Still in uniform after all that! More than anything that is deserving of respect.
He served till 2000
I met John Nicholl once at an air show in the early 90's, he was signing his novel at an air show and he looked VERY uncomfortable with all the attention, poor bloke.
He actually became a presenter for Discovery Channel and seized the limelight to some extent. John Peters on the other hand shunned the attention.
I bet he felt better once he checked his bank balance.
Davman the ex troll u
@@davman115 well it's not her majesty that'll be looking after you once you're discharged
That's because he actually screwed up the initial attack. Imagine all that adulation when you know this yourself.
I am now looking at this again thirty years after the event and I am even more horrified at the treatment meeted out to two very brave men. I have read John Ns' account and not seen much of JP, but I just hope you both are enjoying your lives. You deserve peace and I hope you have found it. What ever peace means.
I am not a military man, so I am hoping you can answer a question for me please.
Why did Allied forces twice bomb the Iraqi prison knowing that Allied forces prisoners were in there ?
@@johnbarton3252 because it forces evacuation, unless everyone in the building is willing to die
Thank you both. Love from CANADA 💜💜
These men are heroes. God bless them for their service and their absolute courage under such horrendous conditions.
You two men are offices and I salute you both sirs, your courage and bravery are the tip of the sword and I and us British civilians sleep sound in our beds because you patrol our skies and keep watch over our land, thank you both for your service and for the love of our country and way of life,
I'm willing to take a chance and say they probably aren't going to see your comment....just saying
These poor sods were sent there to enforce the will of American oil corporations. Not for you mate.
Talat Anand ignorant fool: oil goes on the open world market, all sals profits went back to the new Iraqi government. We don’t hate ou: we despise you.
well yes if you just scrape the surface son, look a little closer and you will see those who are giving the orders are killing our sons (or at least putting them in harms way) for nothing more than there own glory
@@talatanand7103 No, they were there because Iraq invaded Kuwait
Great documentary, god bless these men and their families
Emotion in John Peters is brutal to see, when describing the torture beginnings
Brave, brave men
I wonder if Peters blamed Nichol
@Barry Baz I agree he shouldn't have blamed him, but if 'fault' was to be passed it would be at Nichols door, if he didn't press the correct button or if it malfunctioned I don't know, they were in it together and survived is the main thing, and they were lucky to escape with their lives considering the allies bombed the prison they were in!
you are safe. .this is important. .and saddam its over!!thank you guys and now live our life with families. .God save the Queen
Amazing story of survival and true grit. Lucky that are still alive after being captured, tortured and imprisoned.
fantastic video
Sending that low level raid out in broad daylight was criminal. It should’ve been cancelled.
that's what the tactics was in them days, they lost allot jets doing it. like the tactics of years past they did all time in mosquitoes ww2 , to say criminal is wrong as you be cheering the sas just a few infiltrating beyond enemy lines with thousands around them ??
bananas almost as dumb as sending the black bellied night bombing lancasters in broad daylight
Quite a story. I am glad they are alive and are with their families.
This is so moving.
22:13 Peter's body language reveals the anguish of the recollection.
Great stuff
Courage: still in flight suit.......respect.
These guy's are heroes. They have my respect.
I just watched Ward Carrolls interview with Nichol, and this complements that very well.
I watched this quite a few times as a younger lad. Now, 30 odd years later, tour of Afghan and a bigger understanding of the world, this is even more gripping! JP went through a lot, so much respect, he relived every little thing during his interviews. Fascinating documentary
The intro of this documentary is gold.
It is bizarre that the talk of a human being tortured is accepted yet the expletives are not.
I remember it as though it was yesterday, it was 30 years to this month when I returned back to RAF Coltishall. I was the Sergeant I/c MT at the time.
Thanks lads! serious hero's!
Thank you for your service gentlemen
They didnt do any service to you, they did service to bankers and financiers. Only thing you got from this is terrorists hacking people with machetes and cars.
selena doo
A. We dropped bombs on your nation. B. We are going to.
they would do service for us if we needed it thanks very much!
Heros. Poor John Peters looks really effected in this video. Hope they are both ok now
Rule Britannia John Peter's went on to be a best-selling author after leaving the RAF. One of the books I've read was called tail end Charlie about RAF Lancaster tail gunners in the Second World War which my father was one. A really good book. And the second one John Nicholls went on to be a journalist. If you're British and living in UK you've must have seen him from time to time on Sky News.
They'll never be the same after torture.
They'll live with the trauma they've suffered till they die.
He became stronger mentally.Watch his recent interview
It looks like the pilot got the worst of the beating for sure!!
*affected
"Both men were relieved to fine themselves alive" - what a strange line. How do you feel when you wake up dead?
Typical British armed forces totally cool and sanguine about a life threatening period in their service.
I was there with this squadron we called them the awesome XV, I was lucky enough the year before to get a back seat jolly in this aircraft while on detachment in Scotland, John Nicol sat me in the Nav seat and went through everything I needed to do during the flight and he was awesome. At that time his pilot was Chris Foan ( Fingers) and he flew with me, Chris I believe left the RAF some time after and John Peters took over that crew.
True gentlemen and heroes, we all loved being part of the “Awesome XV”
Watching in pain as the US flag from our embassy in Kabul is carried out (yet how can I possibly say “pain”). The Brits have every reason to be proud of these men. My very best to them and to their families.
37:50 wow Cpt John Nichol so composed and clearly spoken when he is under duress and being interrogated; sheesh when I get pulled over by the cops for a tail light out I stammer and get all nervous and I'm a dam mess
Stiff upper lip old boy...
No rank of captain in the RAF, hes a flight lieutenant
A Chaps ,,, We don't worry about being pulled over. In the US, cops are starting to wear cameras.. So "We the People", no longer have to fear, (quite so much,) Our rights being violated. Or them trying to bully/intimidate/entrap, us...Yes,,, they will lie, in court under oath...I would trust a Hells Angel, before i would trust US cops...
Flight Lt he is not a captain. It's the equivalent rank of a captain in the British army
@@stephenhathaway269 Group Captain Old Boy ? Usually a Pilot or Navigator as a Station Commander.
Great book Tornado Down, testament to all those lads and their families in first Gulf War. I'm really enjoying working through John Nicol's suite of books.
Its so strange how we remember things like what you were doing on that day.
I was using an Amiga 500 and my gf asked me to open a tin of corned beef, I did and cut my hand open
Having to go get ten stitches as we could not stop the bleeding
Great guys
Greatest respect.
I am glad that they came through ok for the most part. They will have mental scars for the rest of their lives but may they lessen with time. They served with honor and I am glad that they had the courage and will to return to flight
I remember CNN was showing these two fellas after they were captured by the Iraqis. I knew immediately Peters was tortured and thought this dude had put up a fight. I remember so desperately wanting to know what had happened.
DownWith Imperialism Iraq invaded Kuwait remember? This was the first gulf war in 90. Totally different.
@Amar azar funny, thats the height iraqi planes used to drop chemical weapons on iran from...
Read the book and it was so riveting. Considering my comrades in Viet Nam, it gives some insight on the perils of POWs. very few POWs can recall and share their expierences.
"A bit of derring do". Understatement of the century. Respect.
I am here after John Peters recalls his experience on that day and his experience as a POW in Gulf War
I was a police officer when this all started and watched the attacks start whilst on foot duty one night at a train stn managers TV. I had a friend and colleague whose husband was a Wing Commander at the time on Tornados a worrying time for her. Meanwhile, my dad was ex RAF and was a Technical Author wrote books for the MOD on the weapons systems and Radar on the Tornados and Harriers.
I can remember this happening, they were put on TV while captives. We will never forgive or forget the reports of this brutality. Anyone who undertakes such acts is subhuman.
@قربت نهاية Brahimالصهاينة و حلفاءهم من الخونة
Absolute clown.
Imagine suffering interrogation only to get blown up by friendly fire.
Amazing footage of low level skimming over the desert at high speed.
Imagine a sitting US President saying "I like the guys who don't get captured." Inconceivable yet true. No respect for the military.
Just one of the many reasons I have no respect for him.
Add to the fact that Trump was a draft dodger. He's an utter coward with not an iota of human dignity.
@@slickrick2420 Trump was utterly contemptable saying these words.
Breaks my heart: (
Its gotta be said, us Brits know how to get the best out of our equipment. The Sea Harriers in the Falklands and the Tornado in the gulf have both been used in roles they were never designed for yet they performed as well as their crews. Take a bow RAF and Navy pilots, possibly the most professional military on earth.
The Tornado was actually also designed for low level bombing raids ,it even has automatic terrain following capabilities.
They showed incredible resilience and the information they surrendered was of no real strategic value. They survived the ordeal and that's more than enough.
They should make a movie about this!
Definitely, it would be great, real life movies are the best.
God speed to all pows
Retired
Cpl
Royal engineers
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Then free all the IRA PRISONERS...
My sincere heartfelt respect to our two brothers! I feel it here in Nairobi 🇰🇪 💐❤️
Respect.
Man ,what a great pair of heroes, It is ok to shed tears no mater what your gender is ,I think it is good and is part of the healing ,,God bless the both of you .
I'm quite old now 43 and I remember being locked on the BBC and ITV news when this was happening and being so gutted when I heard these brave RAF pilots had been captured. And a day or so later when I saw the maltreatment. After that I rejoiced at every bomb that fell on the Iraqi regime targets.
Amazing, I’ll miss the tornados....
Brought tears to my eyes for these two brave men and what they went through. So happy you're both home with your families. ❤from Canada 🇨🇦 47:02
The comment section, never fails to deliver! Filled with...... either aviators or wannabe jihadis 🙄
The irony here is that their captors are likely now living in the UK.
andy eccles - one can never be sure my friend. One can never be sure.
The way immigration is being controlled in the uk ,I’m surprised they aren’t living next door to them ,lol
Actually, one of them moved to America, with the help from an American pilot
True warriors and heroes."Those Who Dare Win".Total respect for them.
I was there (Muharraq) and dined with John Peters before his mission. I remember a lot of details and am extremely proud to have supported our aircrew and contributed in a small way by serving my country - in albeit a pointless war and a waste of life.
Oil, gas, Petro Dollar and access to pipe liens mate. Garry H. Ex RAF. South Carolina
Desert storm was in principle morally on a sound footing. It was about the liberation of Kuwait. Greedy corrupt vultures as they always do jumped on the opportunity to make money from it.
I used to think of Iraqis as the bad guys but having been there a few times I know different now.
Every war ever is the young (usually poor) dying for the games of the rich and powerful
Thank you for your service. I feel so bad for vets after the Afghan disaster.
Superb