Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The November issue of the magazine has four pages on the life and career of Captain Jeffrey Peter Niblett DFC, who was decorated for extraordinary bravery during the Falklands War of 1982.
Niblett, who was born in Aldershot, Hampshire, applied successfully for a commission to the Royal Marines in 1970, just days before his 21st birthday. Five years, later he was awarded his pilot’s wings.
He was decorated for gallantry while serving with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, Royal Marines, when he received the first Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) ever awarded to a Royal Marine.
At great danger to himself, Niblett flew his helicopter under enemy fire on several resupply and evacuation missions during the attack on Darwin and Goose Green. Indeed, the skilled pilot flew his unarmed Scout aircraft to evacuate Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert “H” Jones, who died from his injuries and was later awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC).
Niblett survived the war and lives with his wife on a smallholding in Norfolk.
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past ten years have been largely based on excerpts from his seven books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II and Falklands War Heroes.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
- Lord Ashcroft’s latest article appears in the November issue of Britain at War which is on sale now
