Group Captain (Now Air Vice Marshal) Ranjan Dutt – (1594), while serving as S.A.S.O Headquarters No. 1 (Operational) Group, took every opportunity to take part in the Kashmir Operations.

This officer had on three occasions led, with distinction attacks on KISHENGANGA Bridge. The first attack resulted in temporary stoppage of movement of enemy troops and supplies over the bridge. When movement again resumed after the bridge had been repaired, reinforced with heavy protective medium ‘Flak” he led another formation for the second time. To facilitate his formation to attack, he went low to straff and silenced the gun positions. In spite of his aircraft being hit by enemy fire, he attacked with precision and knocked out one of the gun positions.

Leading a formation of four aircraft, he again attacked the Kishenganga Bridge, undeterred by the fact that his aircraft had been shot up badly the day before. Although his aircraft was damaged by heavy anti-aircraft fire in this sortie also, he attacked with precision and determination and scored a direct hit on the bridge, causing considerable damage to it. After the mission, by great skill, he brought his badly damaged aircraft back safely to the base. He also carried out highly successful reconnaissance sorties and attacks on Gilgit and Skardu.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Group Captain Karori Lal Bhatia (1605) commanded No.12 Squadron from the early days of the Operations in Kashmir. As a Commanding Officer of the Transport Squadron, he shouldered the heavy responsibility of training his pilots for operations in the mountainous terrain of Kashmir, landing and taking off from hastily prepared airstrips and flying in vital supplies of rations, stores and ammunition to the besieged garrison located in places like Poonch etc.

He always displayed the highest order of leadership, and thus was an example to all his Squadron Pilots. He exhibited extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty when his aircraft was damaged by enemy fire while landing at Poonch and by his prompt action and “Sangfroid” saved the lives of the other members of the aircrew and passengers in the damaged aircraft.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.

Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) EZRA D’SYLVA MASILLAMANI (1774) displayed a high degree of skill, courage and determination whilst flying in KASHMIR Operations. First in the capacity as a Flight Commander, he flew over 100 operational hours in close support of our ground forces on tactical and offensive sorties, flown mostly during adverse weather. He had thus proved himself to be skilled pilot and an inspiring leader. Again as a Squadron Commander, the officer completed many sorties on his second tour of operations. He attacked GILGIT and enemy gun positions near CHAKHOTI and TITHWAL. He also took part in the GILGIT operations and attacked the KISHENGANGA BRIDGE in the face of intense enemy “fire” with complete disregard for personal safety.

On another occasion this officer located the enemy concentration in a forest near PALANDRI, the headquarters of the so-called AZAD KASHMIR Forces and successfully attacked Military objectives in the area with rockets and cannons. To ensure complete destruction of the enemy targets, he took off leading another formation to attack the targets again. He attacked the target with good result killing several enemy troops and over 100 mules which were being employed for transporting arms and ammunition to the front line in POONCH. As a result of these attacks, the enemy pressure was considerably reduced. The location and subsequent destruction of the enemy concentration proved to be of immense value to our Army.

For the valuable services rendered by him during the JAMMU and KASHMIR Operations, he has been awarded Vir Chakra.

Squadron Leader Kenneth Merals David (1836) GD(P) flew well over 100 hours in the Jammu and Kashmir Operations and throughout displayed supreme courage by attacking enemy targets with utter disregard for his personal safety. He carried out may attacks over Kishenganga Bridge which was heavily guarded by the enemy. By his good flying and precision bombing he damaged the bridge more than once, thus temporarily paralyzing the enemy supply lines.He led his Squadron at every possible opportunity and set a good example to the Pilots of his Squadron.

For the valuable services rendered by him during the Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.

Squadron Leader (Now Group Captain) Daviah Subia (1866) always showed great courage and fortitude whilst operating over the Jammu and Kashmir area. By example and excellent leadership, he inspired all his Squadron Pilots. All his sorties were marked fro pressing home the attack, despite all odds.

He flew over 70 sorties in a period of a month and a half, often operating under adverse conditions and from difficult airfields. It was partly due to this officer’s courageous and relentless attacks that the resistance of the enemy at Gurais broke down. The excellent air operations conducted by this officer largely contributed towards the successful capture of Gurais eventually by our land forces.

He proved himself to be an extremely capable leader and was thus a source of encouragement and inspiration to all his Squadron pilots.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operation, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant (Now Wing Commander) Sudhananda Roy (2296) carried out 400 hours of flying in Kashmir Operations as a Navigation Leader. He operated on all sectors himself and mostly flew in the leading aircraft. Besides this he undertook all difficult and risky sorties himself. His aircraft was subjected to heavy enemy fire and was damaged many a time but he carried on with calm determination and dauntless spirit. By his high standard of leadership, devotion to duty and dauntless courage, he set a fine example to other Navigators of the Unit. In his capacity as Navigation leader, he led the first sorties to LEH. Thereafter he had to, in view of his experience, undertake most of the other flights when weather conditions made it necessary to employ experienced navigator.

Though the Navigation/Radio aids available in JAMMU and KASHMIR were very poor and the aircraft had to operate over difficult terrain and frequently in extremely treacherous weather, this officer at all times maintained the highest standard a Navigation Leader.

In view of the valuable service rendered by him during the KASHMIR Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant (Now Wing Commander) Lal Singh Grewal (2337) distinguished himself by making the maximum number of landings by day and night at Poonch while it was under enemy fire. Further he dropped supplies of ammunitions and rations in inclement weather to our Garrisons in Kotli and Mirpur, when these places were subjected to heavy enemy fire. This officer also captained aircraft during night bombing sorties.

On 21st March 1948, when Poonch was being shelled heavily by the enemy, he made two hazardous landings in Poonch , one by day and the other by night without any landing aids to deliver urgently required heavy guns and ammunition to our troops. He also flew in regularly much needed supplies to LEH. Throughout the Jammu and Kashmir Operations, this officer carried out the duties allocated to him with courage, determination and devotion to duty. His example was a source of inspiration to all the pilots of his Squadron.

For the valuable services rendered by him during Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra

Flight Lieutenant (Now Wing Commander) Purshotam Lal Dhawan (2351) carried out 144 sorties as a Dakota Captain in Kashmir Operations. He was one of the pioneers from his Squadron in the Kashmir Operations. Despite heavy enemy fire he carried out a number of supply dropping sorties over our besieged and hard pressed garrisons at NOWHERA, JHANGAR, MIRPUR, KOTLI, POONCH and BARAMULA. His aircraft was damaged many a time by enemy fire but he carried on through sheer determination and will to defy the enemy.

He was also one of the Captains who took part in Night Bombing (in Dakota aircraft) of enemy positions with great success. Being bold, loyal and courageous, this officer always exhibited, during operation, a high sense of duty, morale and fighting spirit in spite of heavy odds he had to meet with.
For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant TRILOK NATH GHADIOK (2354), (Now Wing Commander) whilst acting as a Flight Commander in a transport supplyl Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir, showed at all times the highest qualities of leadership and therby set a fine example to other officers and airmen in his flight to follow. The Officer carried out many supply dropping sorties to Uri and later to Tithwal under difficult flying conditions, which earned special praise for him. On one of his sorties, even though his aircraft was repeatedly hit by enemy fire, he sucessfully completed his mission with his characteristic calmness and determination. When Transport supply had to be undertaken to reinforce Leh, this officer operated as a Captain on this hazardous route regularly.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flying Officer (Now Squadron Leader) Narsimha Murthy (2434) operated in Jammu and Kashmir theater with distinction during 1948. In spite of meeting heavy enemy fire, he persistently operated with singleness of purpose showing relentless courage and exemplary devotion to duty and completed about 100 ground attack sorties.

In one of these sorties, when his aircraft under-carriage was badly damaged by enemy fire and emitted fumes, he persisted for 45 minutes in an attempt to get the under-carriage of the aircraft down in order to save the valuable fighter plane.

For the good service rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant (Now Wing Commander) Michael Patrick Owen Blake (2630) set a high standard of flying in Jammu and Kashmir Operations as a Flight Commander. Being the first to volunteer for operations in Kashmir, he led the first attack in SKARDU area, flying over difficult and dangerous country.

The officer rendered valuable service in the defence of Poonch. He during critical days in Poonch, gave support to our besieged garrison there and was often responsible for neutralizing enemy strongholds in that vicinity. In almost all of these attacks, he achieved results by pressing home the attacks on the enemy at great personal risks. By his fine example he inspired confidence in other pilots of the Squadron.

For his outstanding leadership as a Flight Commander in Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant (Now Wing Commander) Anthony Ignatius Kenneth Suares (2773) was one of the plots who formed the small band of transport support aircrew, who carried out continuous operations in Kashmir over long periods. He was one of the pioneers on the LEH route. At that time the aircraft were not fitted with Oxygen and this made the trip a most hazardous and grueling flight.

He also undertook transport support sorties to most of the other supply zones in Kashmir. Considering the difficult nature of the country and the treacherous weather conditions that were frequently encountered, it made the majority of these flights a most difficult undertaking as the pilot had, in addition, to contend with heavy enemy ground fire.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flying Officer (Now Wing Commander) Nedyam Bhaskar Menon (2994) distinguished himself in the Jammu and Kashmir Operations by carrying out a number of sorties to LEH when the weather was not conducive to flying. He also operated regularly to Poonch and Tithwal carrying urgently required rations, military stores and ammunition. During the tour of operations he completed a magnificent total of 400 operational hours of flying.

For the valuable services rendered by him during Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Lieutenant (Now Squadron Leader) Vonthibettu Prabhakara Hegde (3080) put up consistent efforts from the day of the Kashmir Operations till “Cease fire.” He was in the thick of it right through and at all times showed the greatest determination and perseverance in carrying our arduous and difficult flights in providing transport support for POONCH, MENDHAR, URI, TITHWAL, KARGIL, DRAS and last, but not the least, to LEH. Both at Tithwal and at Uri, his aircraft was repeatedly hit and damaged. Considering the treacherous nature of the country and the frequent occasions when most of his transport flights had to be carried out under adverse weather conditions, it required great powers of endurance and skill on the part of this pilot. In carrying out his duties well, the officer set a fine example to others in his Flight to follow.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flying Officer (Now Squadron Leader) Desmond Eric Pushong (3122) has to his credit a considerable number of hours of flying in Kashmir Operations as a Dakota Captain. His dauntless courage, determination and sense of duty were a source of inspiration to other pilots.
In initial stages of Kashmir Operations, when out garrisons were surrounded in MIRPUR, KOTLI and POONCH areas, this officer carried out supply dropping under intense enemy fire, and always defied the enemy with a grim determination.

He was the first to land at POONCH whilst the airstrip was being heavily shelled by the enemy.
On 21st March, 1948, when POONCH was hard pressed by the enemy, he made a night landing without any landing aids, to deliver some equipment of vital importance to our garrison and thus helped our troops to beat back the enemy. He further rescued and ………the stranded crew of another aircraft which had been damaged earlier by enemy shelling.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

On 19th June 1948 at Poonch, information was received from our columns at Potha that there were 12 seriously wounded casualties to be evacuated from Potha. The Austers which were sent there from Jammu for that purpose were only able to evacuate four of them when they ran short of petrol. The petrol which was sent from Jammu during the day was not suitable for the Austers and they could not carry on evacuation of the casualties unless the particular type of petrol was received from Jammu. Contact was made by wireless to Jammu to have the petrol sent up immediately by the next Dak. Unfortunately all the Daks had left Jammu as the weather was closing in and even the request to send a Harvard with this petrol could not be complied with. In the men time a Dak had landed in Poonch piloted by Fg Offr D.O. Barty. He had orders to unload his supplies in Poonch and proceed back to Srinagar. His Dak starboard engine was giving trouble.

The time then was approximately 1500 hours when Maj. Gen. Atma Singh, GOC JA div., who was on the airstrip asked Fg. Off. Barty whether it would be possible for him to go to Jammu, collect the petrol and bring it back to Poonch as there were still 8 casualties to be evacuated from Potha. It was essential to evacuate these 6 casualties as it meant saving their lives and also enabling the column to advance to Mendhar. Since Starboard Engine was defective and the weather had closed down around Jammu Fg. Off. Barty decided on his own initiative to proceed to Potha instead of Jammu and evacuate the casualties to Srinagar in one sortie. He had only a very short time to make up his mind as the weather was closing down around Poonch and Srinagar airfields it was impossible for him to wait for sanction from his H.Q. to land at Potha and evacuate the casualties that evening.

The airstrip at Potha was only between 450 and 500 yards long and 100 feet wide and the surface was in a series of steps and very bumpy. There was only one way of approach to the airstrip as at the other end there was a hill and it seemed absolutely impossible to land a Dakota on that airstrip. The pilots of the Austers found it very difficult themselves to land and informed Flying Officer Barty accordingly. But in spite of advice given by these two officers and all the rest of the officers on the airstrip not to undertake this precarious mission Fg. Off. Barty decided that he had to help those eight lives which were at stake and proceeded to carry out his mission. He said that he had seen this strip during the supply drop in the day and considered that he could land a Dak there. The undertaking was a great success.

The outstanding example of bravery and courage coupled with initiative and soundness of judgment shown by this officer was of the highest order. It was not only a credit to RIAF but it should go down in the annals of aviation as a unique achievement. In comparison to the landing in Poonch and Leh, this will be an unbeaten record which should be given wide publicity.

The gallantry and initiative shown by this officer was beyond the normal call of duty. He was not only responsible for saving eight lives but also for enabling the column to continue to its advance to Mendhar. Fg. Off. D.O. Barty IND/3129 GD (P) displayed extraordinary initiative and took on a responsibility which might have ended in disaster. His action not only helped the lives of the eight men but also enabled our column to continue to its advance to MENDHAR.

The late Flight Lieutenant ALOYSIUS WILLIAM BARRETTE (3172) flew 80 Operational hours with in a short period of two months during the JAMMU and KASHMIR Operations. Tlthough he was hurt on several occasions he carred on cheerfully and showed exceptional courage and high sense of duty. Whilst attacking enemy positions near Poonch, he was injured but immediately after recovery he resumed operational flying.

Again over the MENDAR Valley, he was hit in th face by a shrapnel from the enemy Anti-Aircraft Fire while going into attack. Although he was bleeding profusely, he pressed home the attack with determination and destroyed the enemy post. His love for Operational flying was a source of inspiration ot the other pilots of his Squadron.

For the distinguished service rendered by him during the JAMMU and KASHMIR Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flight Sergeant A Thomas (13436) Signaller formed one of the small Band of Signallers who operated continuously and without a break on transport duties in KASHMIR from the day hostilities broke out till the “Cease Fire” was declared.

Due to the shortage of signallers, it was necessary for this N.C.O. to do far more than his share of normal duties. Unmindful of the operational fatigue, he always cheerfully undertook extra flights and displayed complete “Snagfroid” and determination under the most trying conditions.

The fact that is aircraft was damaged by enemy fire on numerous occasions did never deter him from volunteering for further flights whenever required. His devotion to duty during operations was at all times exemplary.
For valuable services rendered by him during JAMMU and KASHMIR Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

On the 17th November 1947, Warrant Officer D. Ghosh flew in a Dakota aircraft as a Signaller to carry out a Supply drop at MIRPUR. Whilst on the Dropping Zone area the aircraft was badly shot up and Warrant Officer Ghosh receive a bullet hit which fractured the bone of his forearm.

On the completion of this flight he cheerfully volunteered to fly again over POONCH in spite of his broken arm on hearing of the necessity for an emergency Sortie for which no other Signaller was readily available. His brave effort in flying as a member of the Crew reflected his high sense of duty, determination and courage and thus made the emergency sortie possible. Later it was proved that this emergency sortie brought timely help to our besieged garrison at Poonch and helped to save the disaster of falling into enemy’s hands.

For this remarkable act of gallantry in carrying on flying, when badly wounded, he was awarded Vir Chakra.

Sqn. Ldr. (now Gp. Capt.) Zafar Ahmed Shah (1805) while in Command of an Operational Squadron in Jammu and Kashmir Area personally led attacks on GURAIZ. PIR KANTHI Area and GILGIT which enabled our ground forces to advance without much casualty. By taking off a modern fighter/bomber aircraft from the old Srinagar Air-Field which was barely 1300 yards long, he made it possible for operations to be carried out from that base.
His fine leadership and efficiency were reflected in the high fighting qualities of the Squadron which operated under difficult and adverse conditions.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

This officer has done nearly 60 hours of Operational flying in a very short period. On all occasions he has displayed a cool head and has pressed home his attacks to maximum advantage.

As a flight Commander this officer took a leading part in most of the sorties carried out in the Northern Sector prior to the advent of winter conditions over the Kashmir Valley.

Sqn. Ldr. Kalyaniwala set a high standard in precision bombing and his attacks on the enemy picquets on the high hills near ZOJILLA Pass prior to the ground attack were most valuable. One attack in particular, near GUMRI, enabled our troops to break through the DRAS. For this he was commended by the Corps Commander.

The late Sqn. Ldr. Baldev Singh Dogra (1921) completed a very large number of sorties during the Jammu and Kashmir Operations. Being a pilot of great skill he was responsible in effectively intercepting and destroying many enemy vehicles on the Kohala Bagh Road.

All his sorties were marked for his skill in flying, determination to get at the enemy at all costs and for unfailing devotion to duty. Often he took on difficult targets without hesitation and concluded his missions with success even when bad weather intervened. He had on many occasions carried out low level offensive reconnaissance on the Kohala Bagh Road and brought back valuable information which proved of immense value.

For his excellent leadership throughout the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flt. Lt. (now Wg. Cdr.) Leslie Richard Dickenson Blunt (1994) was one of the first ‘SPITFIRE’ Pilots to land at Srinagar when it was surrounded by enemy and about to fall. He operated with zeal and vigour and thus helped to throw back the enemy from the gates of Srinagar. In every short space of time, this officer carried out 23 operational sorties against the enemy and achieved remarkable results.

He stood out amongst his pilots for his keen enthusiasm and dash. His bombing and gunnery helped to break up many enemy advances at crucial moments.

For the excellent results achieved by him during the Air Operations over the outskirts of Srinagar, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Flt. Lt. (now Wg. Cdr.) Randhir Singh (2135) flew 185 hours of Operational flying in close support of our troops while commanding a flight of a ground attack Squadron during the Jammu and Kashmir Operations.

He always set a magnificent example by engaging targets with vigour and zeal in spite of his aircraft being hit by enemy fire on several occasions. His leadership, coolness and courage in the face of enemy, inspired confidence in other pilots of the Squadron.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

This officer was rushed to Srinagar during the most critical period of Kashmir Operations, where conditions were extremely difficult. During his brief stay he carried out 37 sorties completing 29 hours 30 minutes. His keenness, enthusiasm and efficiency on the ground and his dash and coolness in the air were an inspiration to everyone on the detachment. An officer who distinguished himself during his brief stay and carried out the duty to the highest tradition of service.

This officer operated under very difficult conditions during the early part of the Kashmir Operations and put in most valuable work.

The late Flt. Lt. Arthur Srihari (3181) always showed tenacity of purpose and precision in all his sorties. By his ability to make quick decisions, he had on one occasion attacked and totally destroyed an enemy Brigade Headquarters which was controlling operations against our hard pressed forces.

He completed in a short period approximately 100 successful operational sorties, all of which were outstanding for the perseverance and determination in pressing home the attack on the enemy. Many long range sorties of his across a very difficult terrain in the Northern Sector were outstanding because of its navigational precision, ability to spot the camouflaged targets, and skill in attacking to destroy.

For the outstanding services rendered by him during the Kashmir Operations, the officer was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.

Fg. Off. Geoffery Charles Wilks (3284) (since released) rendered meritorious service during Jammu and Kashmir operations by carrying out 70 Operational sorties in close support of our ground troops. His flying was outstanding for its remarkable skill, courage and determination to carry out the tasks allotted to him in complete disregard for his personal safety and thereby set a good example for the other pilots of his Squadron to follow.

For the valuable services rendered by him during Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

Fg. Off. (Now Sqn. Ldr.) George Douglas Clarke (3295) proved himself as one of the outstanding pilots in the Jammu and Kashmir Operations. He carried out numerous close support sorties with excellent results. His coolness, skill and courage were of the highest order during the Operations.

The officer carried out 75 Operational Sorties totaling about 200 hours mostly in close support of our ground troop. His accurate bombing, rocketry and gunnery inflicted severe damage on enemy positions and often foiled enemy advances.

For the valuable service rendered by him during the Jammu and Kashmir Operations, he has been awarded the Vir Chakra.

During his operational tour, this officer was shot down twice. On the first occasion, he successfully forced landed in Pooch.

He came back to the Squadron and carried on undaunted. He was again shot down over Tithwal and by his cool courage and resource walked out of “NO MAN’S LAND” after being heavily shelled. He continued to carry out his normal flying duties, undeterred by previous mishaps, thereby setting an outstanding example in high morale to the rest of the unit.

This officer has shown commendable devotion to duty. This determination and courage in carrying on with operational flying after being shot down twice and walking back to our lines on one of these occasions under enemy shell fire set a fine example to all others to follow.