Squadron Leader Peter Eric Gaynor was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1956. He has been engaged in Flight Commander's duties in front line fighter Squadrons since 1962. He has a total of 3280 flying hours on jet Fighter aircraft. He took part in the 1961 Goa operations and also in the Indo-Pak Conflicts of 1965 and 1971. On one mission, which he was leading with fighter escorts, the formation was attacked by two F-104 aircraft. He so maneuvered the formation that the escort aircraft were able to shoot down both the attacking aircraft. Due to his extreme devotion to duty his Squadron has completed all its tasks and maintained a high standard of operational readiness.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Peter Eric Gaynor displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Air Vice Marshal Peter Eric Gaynor VM
(24 November 1935 – 15 March 2009)

With great sadness I have to announce the passing away of AVM PE (Pete) Gaynor this morning (15 March 2009). He had been in indifferent health for some time and the end came rather suddenly in the morning.

Pete Gaynor was deeply involved in operations of the HF-24 Marut aircraft, especially as a Flight Commander of No. 10 Squadron. He and the Squadron pilots under his supervision acquitted themselves very well in the 1971 Bangladesh War. My wife and I met the Gaynors at AF Jodhpur in January 1973. We came to know them very well. My fife and Mrs Patricia (Pat) Gaynor were inseparable friends.

Peter did not get an opportunity to command a Squadron; but he did command AF Gorakhpur. His last appointment was as Senior Officer in-charge Administration (SOA) at Headquarters Training Command, Bangalore. After his retirement, the Gaynors moved to 168 Jal Vayu Vihar, Kammanahalli Main Road, Bangalore 56-0053 (Phone 080-23682168).

To my personal knowledge, Peter had a remarkable flair for writing. However, the service did not appreciate his calling a spade a spade and not enough of his writing saw light. Whatever did appear, such as in the Flight Safety Journal, was always well-worth reading. His other passion was golf. Of late, due to poor health he had to give up this pastime.

The funeral service is to be held at 3:30 PM on Monday, 16 March 2009, at the Holy Ghost Church, Clark Road, Richards Town, St. Thomas Town, Bangalore 560084 (see map below). Immediately after the service the cortège will move to the Kalpalli cemetery for the final rites.