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Tornado

In the Eye of the Storm

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About this listen

 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 Military Military & War War Middle East Gulf War Inspiring Thought-Provoking Natural Disaster Air Force
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A Worthy Tribute to the Tornado and the brave crews who went to war in that magnificent aircraft. John Nichol takes you into the cockpit and tells this story as only one who was actually 'there' flying in the first Gulf War, could do. Andrew Wincott's narration conveys all the excitement and tragedy of Nichol's story superbly in what should become a classic story of modern day warfare.

A Worthy Tribute.

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This is a wonderful book, let down only by the readers insistence on putting on voices when reading quotes. At first this was downright annoying- is he taking the pee?- but eventually I found it a bit insulting to those who’s words he was reading. Finally, I nearly crashed my car when he did his Margaret Thatcher impression! I will be buying this in paper format so I can enjoy it again- without the impressions.

Good story, bad read

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The narration (accents) are a little sketchy at times but what a book!
Exciting, informative, sad, funny at times and utterly gripping from start to finish. Excellent.

My first audiobook

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I grew up attending countless airshows with my parents and was fascinated by the Tornado and always wanted to join thr RAF to fly one. I also remember when I was 11 seeing the pictures of Peters and the author when they were POWs, being 11 you don’t really know what these chaps and their mates went through during the Gulf War. This book is probably one of my favourite audiobooks. It was gripping, the horrific treatment of the captured airmen made my blood boil, and really opened my eyes as to what happened to them. The bravery of the lads flying the missions over Iraq was incredible, this book really puts you right in the cockpit at 100 feet over the desert. And finally, the heart-rendering stories of loss is something that really hits home. I cried several times listening to the testimonies of families left behind.

The last line of the book is the most poignant I’ve heard, it had me in tears.

Insightful, griping, shocking and emotive

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I just finished it 12 words is not enough to say I loved every minute it, funny and sad, and so much in between, again the other casualties of was the families left behind, so good to mention the war widows, and how they have changed the stupid archaic rules for those that are left behind, I can't wait for the next book, well done Mr Nichol

Another classic read

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