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gwatkins's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
ja_hopkins's review
5.0
The invasion of Iraq in August 1990 precipitated the first Gulf War, which started in January 1991, and almost immediately an RAF Tornado crew are shot down and captured whilst flying their first combat mission of the war. Flight lieutenants John Peters and John Nichol endured seven weeks of what can only be described as the ultimate nightmare - something most of us cannot even conceive let alone imagine. This tells their story.
First off, I was really impressed. I was slightly worried after a few pages as the switching between the writing of the two protagonists was a bit jarring, but you soon get used to it. Like other stories of this ilk, I expected a bit of exposition on how the pair got where they were, but there was very little of that, except to introduce the war itself. Before you know it, Peters and Nichol are flying over an Iraqi airfield, and moments later are racing away from their burning Tornado in the Iraqi desert, but they are quickly captured and taken to prison.
The story is incredibly honest, and they share their fears and hopes throughout. They explain their self-loathing when they talk. When one finally cracks, he beats himself up, only to feel even worse when the other says he had not talked. They are moved between prisons run by Baath party fanatics, and those run by the army. They endure an air raid that all but destroys the prison they are in and meet with American and other pilots who have also been captured. There is harrowing moments, such as when another man's screams become a source of irritation, even hatred and when an American pilot lose his fillings.
Overall this is an excellent, if sometimes tough read, and I thoroughly recommend it.
First off, I was really impressed. I was slightly worried after a few pages as the switching between the writing of the two protagonists was a bit jarring, but you soon get used to it. Like other stories of this ilk, I expected a bit of exposition on how the pair got where they were, but there was very little of that, except to introduce the war itself. Before you know it, Peters and Nichol are flying over an Iraqi airfield, and moments later are racing away from their burning Tornado in the Iraqi desert, but they are quickly captured and taken to prison.
The story is incredibly honest, and they share their fears and hopes throughout. They explain their self-loathing when they talk. When one finally cracks, he beats himself up, only to feel even worse when the other says he had not talked. They are moved between prisons run by Baath party fanatics, and those run by the army. They endure an air raid that all but destroys the prison they are in and meet with American and other pilots who have also been captured. There is harrowing moments, such as when another man's screams become a source of irritation, even hatred and when an American pilot lose his fillings.
Overall this is an excellent, if sometimes tough read, and I thoroughly recommend it.
rabspur's review
5.0
Triffic book, true story of the horrors of war, and the brutality both John Peters and John Nichol we’re subject too whilst in captivity, and the effect it had on both there own and their families lives. A must read.
libraryofrick180107's review
5.0
Review 16 Tornado Down by John Peters & John Nichol
This book is the true story of 2 RAF flight Lieutenants (John Peters & John Nichol) and their service in the 1st Gulf War.
This book was a very emotional and gripping book.
I read this book a very long time ago after taking it out from a local library.
This book is about cruelty towards other human beings but does also show the strength of human spirit that these 2 men showed during the period in time covered in this book.
I'm trying to avoid including spoilers in this review as this book needs to be read without any spoilers.
I cant recommend this book enough.
This book is the true story of 2 RAF flight Lieutenants (John Peters & John Nichol) and their service in the 1st Gulf War.
This book was a very emotional and gripping book.
I read this book a very long time ago after taking it out from a local library.
This book is about cruelty towards other human beings but does also show the strength of human spirit that these 2 men showed during the period in time covered in this book.
I'm trying to avoid including spoilers in this review as this book needs to be read without any spoilers.
I cant recommend this book enough.
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