John Peters

Former RAF Pilot | Author | Motivational Speaker

John Peters is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, author, and recognised motivational speaker, best known for surviving as a prisoner of war during the Gulf War and co-authoring the notable book 'Tornado Down.' His career has been defined by both remarkable achievements and profound challenges.

He earned his pilot’s license by age 17 and joined the RAF as a university cadet, completing a BSc in Building Technology at UMIST in 1983. Throughout the 1980s, he served as a fast jet fighter pilot and instructor on various RAF squadrons, including XV Squadron. On the first day of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, during a low-level daylight strike over Iraq, Peters’ Tornado GR1 was shot down, leading to his capture. He endured seven weeks of torture and interrogation before being released as a prisoner of war.

Despite this ordeal, Peters returned to flying duties within weeks and continued his RAF career for nearly another decade. He co-authored 'Tornado Down,' a best-selling account of his Gulf War experiences, and later earned an MBA before leading leadership and safety programmes within the Ministry of Defence. After retiring from the RAF, he founded a consultancy focused on leadership under pressure, resilience, and change, working with senior business teams globally.

John Peters remains an acclaimed motivational speaker and business consultant, advising organisations on leadership under duress, team dynamics, and managing uncertainty. His story exemplifies resilience, courage, and the ability to find meaning and perspective even in extreme adversity.

Listen to John's Podcast featured on Balancing Act - Mastering Work, Wealth and Wellbeing: RELEASE DATE APRIL 2026.