Former RAF navigator and Gulf War veteran John Nichol has paid tribute to the late Sir Neville Trotter, the former Tynemouth MP who supported his family during his captivity as a prisoner of war in 1991. Sir Neville died peacefully at the age of 94 on June 25.
Support during dark times
John Nichol, now a successful author and broadcaster, took to social media to express his gratitude. He recalled that Sir Neville was a "huge source of support" to his parents, Catherine and John, after he was shot down and captured. Nichol and pilot John Peters were shot down on January 17, 1991, during the first low-level daylight raid of the Gulf War. They were imprisoned, tortured, and paraded on Iraqi television, sparking international outrage. After seven weeks as prisoners of war, they were released and returned to flying duties.
In his tribute, Nichol said: "Very sad indeed to hear that former MP for Tynemouth Sir Neville Trotter has died. Neville was my parents’ MP during the 1991 Gulf War when I was MIA, and was a huge source of support to them during some pretty dark times. They were eternally thankful to him."
Decency and public service
Nichol described meeting Sir Neville several times after the war, noting that he was a "most decent and charming man" and an "old-fashioned MP who tried his best to help all his constituents," particularly in defence matters. Sir Neville served the Tynemouth constituency from 1974 to 1997 and was knighted in 1997. He was also appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear that year and served as High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear in 2004.
Nichol added: "Neville dedicated his life to public service and to my home region of Tynemouth and the North East. I send my condolences to his wife and family. RIP Sir Neville."
Family and legacy
Sir Neville is survived by his wife Caroline (Tiggy), their daughter Sophie, and grandsons Toby and Hugo. In a written tribute, Tiggy said he will be remembered as a "devoted public servant."
