Gulf War prisoner pays tribute to late MP
BBCA Gulf War veteran who was held in "brutal captivity" has paid tribute to an MP who died last week and praised the support he and his family received from the parliamentarian during "pretty dark times".
Tyneside-born retired RAF navigator John Nichol paid his respects on social media, to Sir Neville Trotter, who died on 25 June at the age of 94.
Sir Neville, who served as the Conservative member for the Tynemouth constituency from 1974 to 1997, supported Nichol's parents while he was a prisoner of war in Iraq.
Nichol, said Sir Neville was a "most decent and charming man" and an "old-fashioned MP who tried his best to help all his constituents".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, on 17 January 1991 Nichol and Tornado pilot John Peters were shot down while on the first low-level, daylight raid of the conflict.
They were imprisoned, tortured and forced on to Iraqi television amid international condemnation.
After seven weeks as prisoners of war, both were released and returned to flying duties.
Cliff FoggoAfter Sir Neville's death, Nichol wrote on his social media accounts: "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 [missing in action] and was a huge source of support to them during some pretty dark times. They were eternally thankful to him.
"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."
Current Labour MP for Tynemouth Sir Alan Campbell also posted a tribute on social media.
He said Sir Neville was "well respected particularly for his work on defence" and despite their "political differences", he was "always courteous and supportive".
Sir Neville is survived by his wife Caroline (Tiggy), their daughter Sophie and grandsons Toby and Hugo.
In a written tribute, Tiggy Trotter said he would be remembered as a "devoted public servant".
The former MP was knighted in 1997 and appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear that same year, also serving as High Sheriff in 2004.