Tornado Down! - RAF Aviator on His Hellish Days as a POW During Desert Storm

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  • Опубліковано 9 гру 2021
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    Veteran RAF Tornado navigator John Nichol joins Ward to talk about his experience as a POW during Desert Storm.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 832

  • @macbouncer8525
    @macbouncer8525 2 роки тому +359

    "7 weeks captivity are mildly annoying and somewhat hurty" , "...then they set me on fire" big balls, sir, very big balls. thank you .

  • @rodneyjewett5248
    @rodneyjewett5248 2 роки тому +603

    John has nothing to be ashamed of. His bravery speaks for itself. Anyone who thinks he gave in has no concept of what he endured. It takes a special kind of person to fly at 30 feet at 509 knots. God bless you John.

    • @MattH-wg7ou
      @MattH-wg7ou 2 роки тому +24

      And anyone who thinks that hasnt been through SERE or didnt learn what they teach there.

    • @EvoraGT430
      @EvoraGT430 2 роки тому +7

      At least he finally admits he cocked up, rather than blaming the jet like he did in Tornado Down.

    • @Skank_and_Gutterboy
      @Skank_and_Gutterboy 2 роки тому +13

      No doubt. And I feel like I went through a lot having a car problem 30 miles in the desert and getting out of it. That ain't jack compared to this. Holy crap.

    • @samsignorelli
      @samsignorelli 2 роки тому +24

      Admiral Stockdale noted that everyone has their breaking point, and there's no shame when you're forced into it. Not every interrogator is a Hans Scharff

    • @viperscot1
      @viperscot1 2 роки тому +15

      Agree John has nothing to be ashamed off
      Respect to him and all POWs of all wars
      And reverence and respect to all that lost their lives
      Keep up the great content all the best from Scotland

  • @ArizonaAstraLLC
    @ArizonaAstraLLC 2 роки тому +279

    Ward has hands down the most interesting videos and topics where first hand experience in combat aviation is shared. Nobody is producing content of this caliber.

    • @ibbylancaster8981
      @ibbylancaster8981 2 роки тому +8

      Amen. I’ve been a fan since his “Goose” video. I think he had 12-14k fans. He’s so relatable and can explain complexities of dogfighting to those of us who have only watched in awe from the ground with such ease. Such a talent on so many levels. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

    • @pk4459
      @pk4459 2 роки тому +2

      Let's show him the love via Patreon!

    • @dog61
      @dog61 2 роки тому +2

      I absolutely agree.

    • @BandofBrothersTours
      @BandofBrothersTours 2 роки тому +3

      Between him and Mover, they got old school Air Force and Navy covered. Love them both.

    • @willsabri4815
      @willsabri4815 2 роки тому +2

      Check out Aircrew Interview hes got a number of excellent interviews on youtube as well

  • @DSherman911
    @DSherman911 2 роки тому +35

    The next shitty day I have at work, I’m going to remember that I was never a POW. Perspective, bro.

    • @dananichols1816
      @dananichols1816 2 роки тому +2

      Well stated -- that straight-up philosophy has kept me on the rails for a lot of years.

  • @lancet.346
    @lancet.346 2 роки тому +211

    God bless the Brits. I can't think of another nation's warriors who face adversity with such cheer.

    • @Chio_OB
      @Chio_OB 2 роки тому +21

      I thank you for this comment, it's the stiff upper lip and maybe Gin! Jokes aside The UK, USA and it's allies are a formidable force with outstanding attributes. God bless all who commit themselves to defending freedom and stand tall

    • @flagmichael
      @flagmichael 2 роки тому +26

      Their long-time comrades, the Gurkhas, certainly qualify.

    • @stevecuzz8820
      @stevecuzz8820 2 роки тому +8

      @@flagmichael, thanks for mentioning the Gurkhas. I did some reading on them. Now I know about them.

    • @unbearifiedbear1885
      @unbearifiedbear1885 2 роки тому +7

      It's called _merry old England_ for a reason...

    • @falconeaterf15
      @falconeaterf15 2 роки тому +15

      There’s an amazing documentary about a RN cruiser that was sacrificed in a landing operation during the Falklands war. The survivors are floating in the cold sea, covered in oil, exhausted, traumatized. Then they all start singing “ The Bright Side of Life.” By Monty Python. Must be the Gin.

  • @esitu5655
    @esitu5655 2 роки тому +183

    John Nichol, the quintessential British gentleman: polite, dry wit with an underlying humility about the fears he had for those 7 weeks.

    • @peterwhitaker4038
      @peterwhitaker4038 2 роки тому +3

      the old war films made out British all talked like posh English speaking Lords. but in reality the Nation was made up of all accents but they always portraid us as typical BBC accents. i heard a real transcript of a Lancaster bomber raid over Germany and navigator had real Yorkshire accent and so on. they made a film about Titanic called 'Night to remember' where Kenneth Moore played 2nd officer Charles Lightholler and in typical fashion he had a BBC accent...i have heard a recording of Lightholler speak..he was a Lancashire man from Chorley. why they do it i don't know. Britain does not speak like the way the world thinks. The S.A.S. regiment stands for Scots and Scousers ha

    • @noormohamad1
      @noormohamad1 2 роки тому +2

      So this is the Iraqi desert then? His comment to his pilot just after they joined up after ejecting. Classic British humor on face of adversity that both amuses me, and makes me proud of that part of my heritage.

    • @cheddar2648
      @cheddar2648 Рік тому +2

      Only classic British stoicism could minimize the horrors of detention in Saddam Hussein's POW camps. Cheers.

  • @ek2156
    @ek2156 2 роки тому +108

    Mr. Nichol being able to joke about his experiences being a POW truly is an amazing statement to his character! :D

    • @brunofagulha
      @brunofagulha 2 роки тому +1

      Indeed!

    • @Hamring
      @Hamring 2 роки тому

      Yes and once he managed to see it that way i bet its now helping him cope with the trauma.

    • @sztypettto
      @sztypettto 2 роки тому +3

      and then his wife uses his experience as a casual jab for physical fitness.

  • @stefannievelstein9643
    @stefannievelstein9643 2 роки тому +55

    I last met John in 1989 after MC 122 in Cottesmore. The next time he was on TV after his capture. That day was difficult when I strapped in the back seat of a Navy Tornado in Naval Air Wing 2 of the German Navy. I always admired him for his spirit and thought about his experience. John, time passes, active duty in the airplane long gone, but I will never forget you. All the best, Stefan Nievelstein

    • @johnnicholraf1485
      @johnnicholraf1485 2 роки тому +19

      danke schön Stefan. Hope you are well.

    • @tonyledsham2810
      @tonyledsham2810 6 місяців тому

      @johnnicholraf1485 - a humble and eloquent individual… I met you briefly at Coningsby, where I was the RCAF exchange officer at 29(F) Sqn. I salute you, sir 🫡

  • @spacebear49
    @spacebear49 2 роки тому +81

    What an amazing story. Brass balls on those RAF Tornado guys. Had no idea what kind of low level hell they went through.

    • @unbearifiedbear1885
      @unbearifiedbear1885 2 роки тому +9

      An old RAF chap who flew Mosquito in WW2 once told me;
      _"If you can't see their fillings, it isn't low level!"_
      When they say 30ft, they mean it 😂

    • @davefloyd9443
      @davefloyd9443 2 роки тому +1

      And then there was the "Banana" Blackburn Advanced Naval Aircraft......
      The Buccaneer.
      ua-cam.com/video/lteL18wd15Y/v-deo.html
      How does having to CLIMB to 20ft AGL grab you?
      ua-cam.com/video/24CaLD8l0OE/v-deo.html

    • @HarryFlashmanVC
      @HarryFlashmanVC Рік тому +4

      RAF still trains for low level. I live about 1000 ft above sea level on a hill farm in the North of England and the RAF train low level flight down the valley we live over. Our house is above the level they fly at in the valley, we look down on them, they are about 90ft above the ground

  • @blackhawkinternationalsecu6962
    @blackhawkinternationalsecu6962 2 роки тому +45

    In true British style, under state the worst and laugh it off.
    But we all know those 7 weeks were absolute pure hell just being without tea. LOL

    • @jonoedwards4195
      @jonoedwards4195 2 роки тому

      Ahahahaa,
      Tea fixes everything!
      Thanks BHIS, that was funny!!

  • @PhilipCJames
    @PhilipCJames 2 роки тому +26

    USMC pilots were living in tents during OP DESERT STORM in the south of Bahrain while British RAF Tornado pilots were living in five-star hotels in the north of the island, says John Nicol - and he's not wrong. Pongoes and Ruperts and those of a Dark Blue persuasion happily josh their muckers in the light blue Crabs about how stars are used by the different service branches.
    The British Army uses stars to define the seniority of its Generals.
    The Royal Navy uses stars to navigate by.
    Whereas the Royal Air Force counts the number of stars to work out if the deployment hotel is worth staying at...

  • @jackclements2163
    @jackclements2163 2 роки тому +60

    John naturally produces caffeine, he's a unique human. Always speaks with high energy and passion. After all these years he's never slowed down once talking about these things.

    • @mikeg1433
      @mikeg1433 2 роки тому +3

      He takes his tea extra dark ☕️

  • @stevehoefel47
    @stevehoefel47 2 роки тому +40

    As a Desert Storm Prowler guy I really enjoyed your session with John. My crew and our F-14 escort flew top cover for a Tornado day strike during the early days of the war. Those guys were courageous operating in the AAA. Great content...press on!!

    • @pontiacGXPfan
      @pontiacGXPfan 7 місяців тому

      what carrier were you flying from?

    • @stevehoefel47
      @stevehoefel47 7 місяців тому

      USS America@@pontiacGXPfan

    • @pontiacGXPfan
      @pontiacGXPfan 7 місяців тому

      @@stevehoefel47 VAQ 137 Rooks.....Diamondbacks and the Starfighters were there. I remember that Snort Snodgrass was an XO during that time

  • @KRGruner
    @KRGruner 2 роки тому +69

    Wow, just wow. Fantastic story. I was in Desert Storm myself as Forward Air Controller with 3rd Armor Division (US), coming out of an F-16 assignment in Germany (Hahn Air Base). So I knew about John, but the details here were just fascinating. Glad it turned out OK for him, jolly good chap!

    • @ceddavis
      @ceddavis 2 роки тому +7

      3AD Desert Storm vet here (23d Eng Bn). Glad you were with us.

    • @KRGruner
      @KRGruner 2 роки тому +3

      @@ceddavis Hi! I was with 3rd Brigade, 5/18 Infantry.

    • @owlrecon6263
      @owlrecon6263 2 роки тому +2

      3/11 ACR (Bad Hersfeld Germany) attached to 3rd army as casualty replacement because we didn't get our vehicles in time or we would have been with the 2 ACR at the battle of 73 easting

    • @marcs990
      @marcs990 2 роки тому +2

      Ditto but 1st Armoured division (ex British Army)

    • @marcs990
      @marcs990 2 роки тому

      @@ceddavis Ditto but 1AD (ex radio relay)

  • @buckshot704
    @buckshot704 2 роки тому +65

    Classic British descriptive understatements. Articulate, modest, and intelligent. Wonderful interview. A lot to digest. 🇬🇧✈️😎👍

  • @rotax636nut5
    @rotax636nut5 2 роки тому +107

    The term 'hero' applies to John Nichol like few others, he's certainly one of my own personal hero's! Happy Christmas to you all

    • @AviationNut
      @AviationNut 2 роки тому +7

      John Nichol and his pilot J.P are both heros. Actually J.P the pilot got tortured really badly he talks about that in a documentary here on UA-cam.

    • @raynic1173
      @raynic1173 2 роки тому +1

      @@termitreter6545 wtf, do you even know what the battle in Kuwait was even about? One ignorant moe-foe...

    • @Khronogi
      @Khronogi 2 роки тому +1

      @@termitreter6545 that other country was invading another country. It wasnt for nothing.

  • @winkfinkerstien1957
    @winkfinkerstien1957 2 роки тому +47

    I've always been a fan of the Tornado. I served in the USAF in Europe at RAF Upper Heyford, 1976-1978 as a Security Specialist in Aircraft Security. We were the infantry of the USAF. The F-111 was in service there at that time. Cheers! 🇺🇲 🇬🇧

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 2 роки тому +4

      As a kid my dad was stationed in Germany for the USAF and we got to see the German variant quite a few times. Beautiful birds.

    • @unbearifiedbear1885
      @unbearifiedbear1885 2 роки тому

      ❤🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿❤

  • @MrTexasDan
    @MrTexasDan 2 роки тому +75

    "where do we get such men"
    Just outstanding people, and outstanding allies.

  • @henryvagincourt4502
    @henryvagincourt4502 2 роки тому +7

    Did the Falklands at 18, Armilla patrol, Gulf War, and Bosnia, I'm a year younger than John, I must say I would do it all again, great times.

  • @richardgreen7811
    @richardgreen7811 2 роки тому +77

    Ward ... every time I think you have surpassed yourself You come back with something stronger. John's testimonial is a great tribute to himself and others who suffered his prisoner fate. Thankfully his imprisonment was short (never short enough) and his attitude, while tested, survived in tacked. Thank you Ward for yet another great episode.

  • @lorenzcassidy3960
    @lorenzcassidy3960 2 роки тому +37

    Mr. Nichol's story is a very similar to Gen. Gianmarco Bellini's one: he and his wizzo (Maurizio Cocciolone) were shot down in an Italian Air Force Tornado in their very first low-level bombing mission. Their a/c was the only one in their flight that could refuel successfully in an extreme turbulence area, so they proceeded to the target alone.
    IIRC even the Wild Weasel flight that was supposed to precede them, aborted the mission.
    They got shot down shortly after bomb release on their egress route at about 550 knots and 120 ft. You can find the actual audio tape of his shotdown here on UA-cam.
    Mr. Carroll, it would be amazing if you could contact him and set up an interview. I think he still flies for a cargo airline and he lives in the Norfolk VA area.

    • @luca767
      @luca767 2 роки тому +10

      Yes, I remember the shooting of Bellini and Cocciolone's Tornado kept Italy on suspense for weeks until their release. Cocciolone was also paraded on tv, with some bruises on his face possibly from beatings.
      Thanks Ward and John, great interview!

    • @claudiovillani5538
      @claudiovillani5538 2 роки тому +6

      Yes great idea. Mooch you are starting to have a lot of italian fan, this will be a great video!

    • @HarryFlashmanVC
      @HarryFlashmanVC Рік тому

      Good call

  • @paullanham1014
    @paullanham1014 2 роки тому +37

    Proud to be a fellow countryman, I was 14 years old during the 1st gulf war and vividly remember watching the bbc news everyday when I got home from school. John Nichols and John peters became my hero’s of mine when they appeared on the TV beaten and bruised. John, your still a hero of mine and I thoroughly enjoy every thing you write! Great channel Ward, I’ve been here from the start, your content gets better and better!! 🇬🇧

  • @pjotrtje0NL
    @pjotrtje0NL 2 роки тому +45

    What a fantastic interview! He loves to talk, acknowledges mistakes: he’s a great person.

  • @blakena4907
    @blakena4907 2 роки тому +3

    I love that Nichol has an ejection handle on a plaque.

  • @ualreadydead
    @ualreadydead Рік тому +1

    Two comments: John Nichol is full of class, and "there are probably easier paths to that", great comment Mooch

  • @TheSeas88
    @TheSeas88 11 місяців тому +2

    Getting the shit kicked out of him. “I can empathize with their rage”. What a guy

  • @Durian_Defense
    @Durian_Defense 2 роки тому +10

    John is one heck of a humble man...admitting to the cock up as most probably being his bad as he was in charge of the sequence of key presses to initiate the loft bombing HUD symbology. Regardless of whether or not there was a technical failure at the critical moment, after all these years he still willingly takes responsibility for the loft bombing failure of his first mission. Respect.

    • @Durian_Defense
      @Durian_Defense 2 роки тому +3

      When doing a weight loss routine, avoid talking to John's wife. She will recommend the the ultimate weight loss regime that works. See 34:00 to 33:15

  • @ghmsr8062
    @ghmsr8062 Місяць тому +1

    Glad you are still with us. Thank you for your service

  • @dilus13
    @dilus13 2 роки тому +21

    As a UK citizen all I can say is I’m proud that we have guys like John, I remember him vividly being paraded on the news and worrying about what he must be going through and what his family must be thinking at the time. Thanks Ward for putting this interview out and thank you John for your service and the fact that you survived. I can understand the fact that you felt embarrassed to be captured but so glad you didn’t go “Butch & Sundance” Hope prevailed 🙏

  • @trob0914
    @trob0914 2 роки тому +20

    No amount of SERE training can prepare someone that's shot down and captured, bravery is severely tested and those that make it through should be damn proud. Ward, thanks for this interview and John, thank you for your Service!! "GSTQ"

    • @shakkazulu7870
      @shakkazulu7870 Рік тому

      Yeah there are always people who virtue signal and imagine themselves as the tough hero who would do all the brave things expected. I remember after 9/11 lots of people (Mark Wahlberg springs to mind) said they would have overcome the hijackers. This man is braver than I could ever be.
      Truth is, they would likely be shitting their pants. If you haven’t done it, keep your yap shut.

  • @calpicon
    @calpicon 2 роки тому +53

    Great interview. I remember seeing him and his pilot on the news back in the day when I was stuck in Japan, starved for information about the war. It's great to hear that they were able to make it out. The idea that his pilot said, "There's always hope," resonates true. I'm glad that they didn't do the Butch and Sundance way out. Now I'll go and find the book.

  • @jeffrice238
    @jeffrice238 2 роки тому +10

    I guess he's had a couple decades to process the experience, but the sheer nonchalance of the guy is incredible. Being set on fire was "rather unpleasant"?

  • @monguzzle
    @monguzzle 7 місяців тому +2

    It's always terrific to see John interviewed. He and JP signed a photo for me at Leuchars when I was 15, and that experience was a big factor in my joining as pilot 8 years later. I had the privilege of seeing another of those who were shot down recount their experiences in person at Cranwell. It was sobering stuff - but their courage and professionalism was intensely inspiring to all of us.

  • @petebeaumont8389
    @petebeaumont8389 2 роки тому +11

    Thank you Ward for this interview/chat with John. I was serving in the British Army in Gulf War 1; I never got deployed in the end, but remember watching the daily news and following John,s captivity story from the UK. Fast forward to 1994 and I’m serving (still in the Army) at RAF Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands and I’m doing some phys on a treadmill in the gym when the one and only John Nichol (now a Navigator in the Tornado F3) hops on the treadmill next to me! Between huffs and puffs we got chatting and John kindly agreed to sign the copy of ‘Tornado Down’ that I was reading at the time… still have the book kept in good condition. As part of the Falklands tour I also got to visit the 1423 Tornado Flight crew bar for a ‘Gozome’ (a localised send off ceremony [with beers!] for those ending tour) and managed to catch up again with John and have a beer. An amazing man, always with a smile on his face and happy to talk. Thanks John for being humble and continuing to remain staunchly British.

  • @dananichols1816
    @dananichols1816 2 роки тому +19

    No sanitized agenda story here, just clear & honest history -- reaffirms the brutal reality of what the Viet Nam POWs had to process and endure. Ward, your topics and guests are purely legit & fascinating. Thanks to both of you gents for the rapid-fire facts and anecdotes, shared for anyone to comprehend and appreciate.

  • @arkboy3
    @arkboy3 2 роки тому +11

    Used to watch trios of Luftwaffe Tornadoes at Red Rio Bombing Range.
    All power to John Nichol!

    • @solarwizzo8667
      @solarwizzo8667 2 роки тому +1

      Retired German TORNADO WSO talking here. Dropped many bombs at Red Rio. Cool bombing range! Greetings from New Mexico.

    • @arkboy3
      @arkboy3 2 роки тому

      @@solarwizzo8667 Hals und Beinbruch!

  • @LoochMindReader
    @LoochMindReader 2 роки тому +9

    I vividly remember John being paraded around on TV as a boy. Fascinating story, thank you !

  • @gunnerhoward3134
    @gunnerhoward3134 2 роки тому +13

    John is a good man.

  • @davidrendall7195
    @davidrendall7195 2 роки тому +19

    John Nichol got a lot of stick when he first came back, most of it from people who wanted to say 'if I'd been there I woulda...!' but obviously were not. I love to see how he's fought back and owned his misfortunes. He's a good bloke.
    To those of you in America wondering if there was a problem with his microphone settings or the playback, Flt Lt. Nichol is what we call a Geordie, a breed of Englishman from Tyneside in the extreme north of the country - practically Scotland. He grew up in South Shields which boasts a local dialect most commonly compared to morse code. High pitched, fast and low-drag syllables. John is actually quite posh talking for the region, but when he gets excited you can hear the Geordie morse code coming through.
    They don't need me to spin a dit of their humour, culture and hardiness (their womenfolk make it a point of pride to never wear coats on a night out - slows you down too much at the hat check - this applies to 3am jaunts up Grey Street in mid winter at the same latitude as the Alaskan panhandle.) but the idea of interrogating one of them is just tailor made for farce.

  • @philiprichie9419
    @philiprichie9419 2 роки тому +3

    I volunteered in 1969 for infantry, airborne and Ranger. I made it and ended up Ranger qualified SF Medic. Never came close to Vietnam. But we were trained name, rank, serial number if captured but unofficially hold out for 48 hours until any codes could be changed. God bless your guest and every other like him. I sit in awe!

  • @nigelappleton2963
    @nigelappleton2963 2 роки тому +12

    Isn’t it amazing how those who have suffered so much seem to have such a positive outlook on their experience. I first encountered this as a young office back in the 1980s when I had the privilege of attending a lecture by a Vietnam veteran. Inspirational men.

  • @nigeldewallens1115
    @nigeldewallens1115 2 роки тому +12

    My mum was in the WRAF, mum passed away in 2019 aged 95. I had an uncle who was a P.O.W in WWII I had an uncle that was an R.A.F pilot! It sounds easy for me to say thank you for what you did back then! Whilst I know a bit about my uncles time as a POW! It was nothing like your time! I just say thank you for what you did back than! I am glad you survived! May I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New year! May I thank you ward Carroll for creating this clip! Thank you very much as it has brought home the bravery of folks like you and John! may I wish you too, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Thank you once again!

  • @jasonwebb7574
    @jasonwebb7574 2 роки тому +12

    How very British, understated and self effacing. Thanks Mooch for shining a light on the RAF in the Gulf. Have you got any stories of working with the British aviators?

  • @waynester71
    @waynester71 2 роки тому +9

    People say that the World War 2 generation were special, and undoubtedly they were.. but special people still exist. Flying at night, at 200ft burning coal at 600 knots takes something special in itself. What John & pilot John Peters went through was horrendous.. brave guys

  • @georgesykes394
    @georgesykes394 2 роки тому +17

    No Man should have to endure what he did but we Honor his Sacrifice and Valor knowing he's and among the finest The RAF had.

  • @snappers_antique_firearms
    @snappers_antique_firearms 2 роки тому +12

    I couldn't click on this video fast enough. you already know this is going to be a really good video

  • @AviationNut
    @AviationNut 2 роки тому +21

    What an amazing story. I am glad John Nicol and the pilot J.P made it out alive to tell their story. There is a couple of excellent documentaries here on UA-cam about them, where John and J.P explain everything in detail, it's a must watch for anyone who is interested in aviation and war. Stay safe and healthy John and J.P.

  • @ChristopherErringtonPhoto
    @ChristopherErringtonPhoto 2 роки тому +8

    Mooch, another fantastic video. As a Veteran of Desert Sheild/Storm I was on the ground wondering how the hell any aircraft could make it through that insane AAA. Congratulations to Navy for beating my Army on Saturday. 🇺🇸

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks, Christopher! Awesome game!

  • @lewisarthur6778
    @lewisarthur6778 2 роки тому +10

    the crossover i never saw coming, but my god im happy it did

  • @Sphynx25
    @Sphynx25 2 роки тому +11

    I have no idea where I got it from, but I do have a signed copy of "Vanishing Point". Thanks for the books, John. For a Tornado Fan, like me, it's always a good read!

  • @jaehyunekim9341
    @jaehyunekim9341 2 роки тому +3

    I do remember the RAF pilot whose bruised face was on the television news in Jan 1991. P.O.W. in the first Persian Gulf War. That time I was only 15-year-old middle school student.

  • @alexshmalex
    @alexshmalex 2 роки тому +11

    A fantastic interview. Us Brits are all proud of you and JP, John. You should never think otherwise. Thank you and god bless.

  • @willthompson8387
    @willthompson8387 8 місяців тому +1

    What a story! You are incredible, Sir. Thank you. I was 11 when you got shot down and I can't possibly imagine what you went through. I got emotional listening to you. What a Hero.

  • @HeadPack
    @HeadPack 2 роки тому +3

    What a character.

  • @sc1784
    @sc1784 2 роки тому +6

    Great interview. Hats off to our friends across the pond for being the most stable and dependable ally we have.

  • @BNuts71
    @BNuts71 2 роки тому +4

    I flew my first sortie later that afternoon. I remember watching CNN seeing these guys as POWs.

  • @PabloRichardFernandez
    @PabloRichardFernandez 2 роки тому +14

    Ward, I have to commend you for the way you conduct your interviews, being able to keep them interesting, pointed, conversational, while always remaining gracious and empathetic.
    Fantastic work!

    • @stephenvince9994
      @stephenvince9994 2 роки тому +2

      Yes it is. Ward is an absolute natural. On the same level as Alistair Cook (letter from America....remember that?) unhurried but always salient. Puts guests as ease with a polite easy going style. Top guy on about nine levels!

  • @mmckenzie9367
    @mmckenzie9367 2 роки тому +3

    "...somewhat hurty at times..." Typical Brit. God bless you sir.

  • @seanjayson9513
    @seanjayson9513 2 роки тому +5

    You gotta love the British dry wit.

  • @williammfelmleebill1470
    @williammfelmleebill1470 2 роки тому +6

    Terrific interview. My heart goes out to Mr. John Nichols; I am thankful for his words and perspective. Every one has their own personal limit while being tortured, and Mr. Nichols endured to his limit with true patriotism and grit -- as an aviator, officer, coalition member, and British citizen. Godspeed, always.
    Again, another great learning experience you offer to all of us. Thank you, CDR Carroll.

  • @oldgoat142
    @oldgoat142 2 роки тому +5

    You know, it's one thing when you read the stories or hear the media reports. It's an entirely different thing when you hear the behind the scenes, first hand account details from the people at the center of the action. What an amazing story.

  • @Navyrifleshooter
    @Navyrifleshooter 2 роки тому +6

    Loved the Video! During Desert Storm I was an AE1 assigned to HSL-47 Det 8 on board USS Princeton CG-59. After we hit the mines on the 18th of Feb 1991 we were off loaded in Bahrain and worked out of the Airfield there and lived in the Hilton. I remember watching the RAF aircraft operating out of there as well. Watching the Torandos take off and land was always an impressive event.

  • @juanf5391
    @juanf5391 8 місяців тому +1

    Great interview. The BBC has an excellent three-hour documentary on the Gulf War from the early 90s. The 1991 Gulf War a BBC production

  • @williamholiday468
    @williamholiday468 2 роки тому +2

    What a fast 45 minutes! Cmdr. Ward, please send kudos to Mr. Nichol. Saying he is a dynamic storyteller is a gross understatement. Not to mention that he exhibited the most commendable attributes of true bravery as a POW. He demonstrated extraordinary courage, with the addition of both intelligent consideration of the reality of his situation, and astute problem solving under the most extreme pressure. Tremendous episode!

  • @ronduncan9527
    @ronduncan9527 2 роки тому +2

    The Brit’s are so great! What a wonderful guy. Would love to have beers with him! Bet his storytelling is fun.

  • @aoac1
    @aoac1 2 роки тому +18

    Another fantastic episode Ward, thank you! Special "Thanks!" to John Nichols!

  • @WADIII
    @WADIII 2 роки тому +10

    This is one of your best interviews. This channel keeps getting better.
    Thank you

  • @carlhusain1012
    @carlhusain1012 2 роки тому +9

    Many thanks Ward. I was in the RAF during the Gulf conflict; groundcrew and nowhere near the conflict but it was my era. It is so good to hear you guys talking about history from the same point of view. Keep it up; real is far better than dramatised (deliberate English spelling:))

  • @brunofagulha
    @brunofagulha 2 роки тому +15

    Amazing interview! Mr. John Nichol is an outstanding storyteller and seems to be an awesome person (like you Mr. Ward Carrol and i hope you visit Portugal someday and can be possible to meet you) very humble and polite. Really loved this interview. Thank you both for your courage and service. Be safe. Kind regards from Lisbon, Portugal.

    • @Jump-n-smash
      @Jump-n-smash 2 роки тому +1

      I wonder if Ward ever went to Lajes Air Base while on duty.

  • @hakanyaman5415
    @hakanyaman5415 Рік тому +1

    As a teenager I watched CNN for the daily information of Desert Storm in 1991 and I remember very well faces of Peters and Nichol. Thank you both of all for this great interview.

  • @rickbeyer6633
    @rickbeyer6633 2 роки тому +7

    Communication technology is amazing! No delays in the conversation - as if he was right next to you. Great interview!

  • @Ultrarunnerdad
    @Ultrarunnerdad 2 роки тому +5

    John is such a great guy, his books are a great read, well researched and written. Lancaster had me reading lots with a lump in my throat for much of the interviews with survivors.

  • @captainamerica3814
    @captainamerica3814 2 роки тому +6

    Thank you for sharing your story as a POW. You bring great credit to the RAF.

  • @kevincarpenter616
    @kevincarpenter616 2 роки тому +4

    Incredible valor. We live in comfort and safety because of men like these.

  • @tlevans62
    @tlevans62 2 роки тому +8

    Very brave guy, great to hear from him. Heard all about these missions at an Air Power Conference in the early 1990s with the RAAF. Delivering those JP233s at low level flying right over the airfield at very low level with every man and his dog shooting at you…those aviators had Balls of Steel.

  • @johnhickman106
    @johnhickman106 Рік тому +1

    I love hearing the "mistakes." All of us that have flown in combat have made mistakes. It's different when your mistakes become visible to the general public. It's another to admit those mistakes 30 years later to the public. Huge props from an MH-53J/M Pave Low guy.

  • @andrewwww7684
    @andrewwww7684 2 роки тому +1

    I met John Nichol at an air show at RAF Leaming North Yorkshire in the mid 90's, a true hero and a gentleman who let me have a photograph with him back in the day when it took days to have pics developed long before instant selfies, I still have the picture.

  • @alanmorton1370
    @alanmorton1370 2 роки тому +14

    Thanks for a great interview both of you. I've just finished reading Tornado and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite being moved to tears on a number of occasions. The accounts of the families involved are heart rending. It was interesting to read about the officer who had the bottle to call out the policy of low level bombing and get it changed to medium level - that took some guts.
    Halfway through Lancaster with Spitfire to follow. If you read this, John, well done from a fellow Geordie!

    • @waynester71
      @waynester71 2 роки тому +1

      I have read both Lancaster & Spitfire.. excellent books, but haven’t read Tornado.. I need to read it next..

  • @patrickhows1482
    @patrickhows1482 2 роки тому +6

    As well as the books on his own experience, John Nichol has written two good books on classic WWII planes, the Spitfire and the Lancaster.

  • @CM-gm3kc
    @CM-gm3kc 2 роки тому +5

    Amazing human being! All the best to him and his fellow POW's! May their sacrifice never be forgotten. SEMPER FI Sir!

  • @mattwatkins6282
    @mattwatkins6282 7 місяців тому

    Such a lovely fella, would love to have a beer with him, he’s such an incredible storyteller. His books are a must. As a Brit and proud RAF admirer John’s bravery under terrible circumstances cannot be understated.

  • @dannyfowler7055
    @dannyfowler7055 2 роки тому +7

    What a fine gentleman! So impressed with his calm demeanor and fantastic story. Thank you John for everything you’ve done!

  • @pinchus34
    @pinchus34 2 роки тому +4

    I remember seeing John’s face on TV when I was a kid and have heard some of his story before. Seeing him tell it was something else entirely. Thanks Ward!

  • @tomkatf
    @tomkatf 2 роки тому +2

    God Bless our Brit Allies! The video/photo of his beaten and tortured pilot, John Peters, is one of the enduring and sobering images of the war.

  • @94Whiskey
    @94Whiskey 2 роки тому +6

    Another great interview highlighting the bravery & sacrifice of all that serve in the military...doing what we are told...politics aside. John Nichols story of how flying in at low level/high speed & just trusting the equipment & maintainers to get the job done & hopefully bring them home. And the POW experience...Gen Schwartzkoff...The Bear! As free nations, we are grateful for all that keep us safe at night because warriors standby ready to protect free people!
    Thank you John Nichol for your service & sacrifice!!! And as always, thank u Ward for another great interview highlighting military aviation!

  • @LIKWID
    @LIKWID 2 роки тому +5

    I never tire of listening to John talk, he's an absolute hero and a complete gentleman. Great to see you talking to John and showing his story to a new audience. Brilliant 👍

  • @tonyfrost9006
    @tonyfrost9006 2 роки тому +8

    Greetings all from the UK. I have always been impressed by John Nicholls and also saw him recently as a passenger in the awesome Lightning somewhere in South Africa. I discovered your channel a while ago and love it. Its great to see you two chatting about the experience. I love British aircraft but nothing looks as great as the F14. Keep the channel going.

  • @kevinfrerichs8589
    @kevinfrerichs8589 2 роки тому +2

    WOW, Thanks for having John on, Thanks to all that served.

  • @pushing2throttles
    @pushing2throttles 2 роки тому +14

    What a great conversation Mooch! Thank you for the experience. Great UA-cam channel... great content!

  • @alasdairmunro1953
    @alasdairmunro1953 2 роки тому +9

    An excellent video Ward, I remember clearly seeing John and his pilot John Peters paraded on TV. JP had been beaten so he was almost unrecognisable. John’s first book Tornado Down, really brought it home what they’d been through. Thanks for organising this, it was great to hear it first hand.

  • @user-gy2dr7ff9u
    @user-gy2dr7ff9u 2 роки тому +1

    I remember back when I was a kid I got given a magazine by the name of "Airplane". In it was the story of the mission where John got shot down, written by the flight lead. Must have read that story 50 times and I still remember the last line, "I radioed in to tell them we were coming home without our number two". A good few years later (in my twenties by this point) I was reading a book by a British SAS soldier who had been captured, and in the last chapter when he was being released made mention of meeting a Brit called John Nichol. Something in my memory tweaked and I went back, dug up the old magazine and sure enough the names matched. I remember being so happy to find out John had survived because the original article made no mention of it. Now I stumble across this video and get to hear from him myself. Thanks so much for having him on.

  • @jonathanstein1783
    @jonathanstein1783 2 роки тому +5

    Thank you for this interview! John you're a hero in my book. What you went through should happen to no one, and you should never feel shame over events over which you had no control. You did your best and that was enough. God bless you.

  • @SteviePonder123
    @SteviePonder123 2 роки тому +2

    "I'm a massive fan of the martin baker seat" 🤣

  • @davidallen9526
    @davidallen9526 2 роки тому +1

    John, thank you Sir and welcome home.

  • @philmorrissette
    @philmorrissette 2 роки тому +6

    The Tornado is also an awesome aircraft ! Great Episode !

  • @beardedshooter9540
    @beardedshooter9540 2 роки тому +6

    The book they wrote about it was amazing. Looking forward to watching this. Also the book I got turned up with John's signature in it, which was a nice surprise

  • @warbo3611
    @warbo3611 2 роки тому +21

    Absolutely brilliant interview. John is a real great guy. Thanks Mooch

  • @cliffferguson9024
    @cliffferguson9024 2 роки тому +1

    John Carroll, I prayed for you when paraded with the black eyes. I am so proud of your service. You are a great aviator.

  • @FlyNineVictor
    @FlyNineVictor 2 роки тому +2

    Also meant to say what a great person John Nichol is. Thank you John!

  • @0ttt3R
    @0ttt3R 2 роки тому +4

    Really enjoyed this.. my old man was an RAF tornadoe radar technician in Germany in 88/89, a lot of interesting stories growing up