John Nichol

John Nichol is a retired Royal Air Force navigator, author, journalist and broadcaster whose work draws on decades of military and reporting experience. During 15 years in the RAF, he flew Tornado aircraft in air defence and ground attack roles. Shot down on a low-level mission during the 1991 Gulf War, he was captured and tortured; his televised captivity became one of the conflict’s defining images. He later returned to active duty, including service with the UN force in Bosnia.

Nichol has written 20 books, including the Sunday Times bestseller Tornado Down, and has also authored five novels. His books explore military history and personal experience, with recent work focused on oral histories of the First and Second World Wars. He writes for national newspapers and has served as a presenter, consultant and commentator for broadcasters including the BBC, CNN, ITN and Sky News. Through his website, Nichol offers conference hosting, motivational talks and after-dinner speaking, alongside information about his books, television reports and journalism.