The General & the Journalist A rescue mission behind enemy lines, f-bomb posts and 'a whole civilisation will die'
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Apr 8, 2026 John Nichol, former RAF navigator who survived being shot down in the 1991 Gulf War, shares harrowing first‑hand memories of ejection, evasion, capture and waiting for rescue. The conversation contrasts his ordeal with a modern high‑risk recovery, explores why militaries mount dangerous rescues, and touches on the legality and consequences of threatening civilian infrastructure.
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Instant Ejection From A Burning Tornado
- John Nichol described the tornado ejection sequence: canopy jettison, a pyrotechnic seat blast and automatic parachute opening in about two seconds.
- He recalled being accelerated violently, rolling in the sky and then descending under a parachute after the explosive ejection.
Mission Failure And Missile Strike In Gulf War
- John Nichol recounted the mission on 17 January 1991 where his bombs failed to detonate and a heat-seeking missile struck their aircraft.
- He described low-level attack at ~600 mph, the rear of the aircraft blown away and the decision to eject.
Scale And Subterfuge Of Modern CSAR Operations
- The US recovery of Dude 44 Bravo used a massive CSAR package with deception and aerial assets to mislead Iranian forces.
- Reported assets included 155 aircraft, four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 tankers and 13 rescue aircraft.
