A FIGHTER pilot who made headlines after being shot down during the first Gulf War will sharing his experience at Warwick Words History Festival this autumn.
Squadron Leader John Peters came to the world’s attention in January 1991, when a prisoner of war. His disfigured image became a potent symbol of Saddam Hussein’s ruthless aggression.
On his first mission during Operation Desert Storm, aged 29, he was on an ultra-low level daylight mission when his Tornado was hit at 50 feet by a shoulder-launched missile. John and his navigator John Nichol were captured and later shown, bruised and beaten on television.
The war, which was then coming to an end after six months, was the first featuring live imagery from ‘camera-equipped high-tech weaponry’, pictures of missiles hitting their targets and fighters taking off from aircraft carriers.
John has written two best-selling books and the Channel 5 documentary of Tornado Down was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA award nominee.
On leaving the RAF, John founded Monkey Business, working with business internationally to provide development, consulting and coaching.
He is also a trustee of the RAF Club and patron to children’s charities.
The festival will also
The festival,which runs from September 30 to October 6, will feature a mix of talks, walks and tours at venues around the town.
It will also welcome guest speakers including Dan Snow, Helen Castor, Max Hastings, James Holland, Alison Weir and Terry Deary.
Festival director Helen Meeke said, ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming festival-goers this autumn – whatever their interest we’re sure they will find something to enjoy.’
Visit ww.warwickwords.co.uk for full details.
