<![CDATA[Group Captain B S Raje (1935-2007) - Part II]]> http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Galleries/History/1980s/BSRaje/ by Rakesh Raje

Continued from Part 1

B S Raje was the flight commander of No.222 Squadron when war broke out in 1971. He flew eleven missions during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In his first mission to Risalawala air field, his formation was bounced by a MiG-19 patrol and his wingman was shot down. In subsequent missions, he flew interdiction and close air support sorties in the Shakargarh and Chamb sectors. For his participation and role in the 71 operations, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in  January 1973.

In 1979, he took over command of the same squadron with which he served in the War, No. 222 Squadron at Ambala. During his tenure, the Squadron won the Gunnery Championship trophy for the best overall performance.

Other appointments held by him during his service were :

1.    Flt. Commander with 22 Sqn. on the Gnats at Kalaikunda.
2.    As instructor to Iraq 1977-1979 to teach Iraqi pilots on the L-29’s and L-39’s
3.    Chief Operations Officer (COO) at SWAC, Jodhpur
4.    Station Commander, A.F. Station, Bhuj
5.    Group Commander of NCC ‘B’ Group at Bombay

He retired in 1987, and settled down in Pune. He passed away on the 20th August 2007, after being in Coma for 5 months, due to a stroke attack.

During his time he flew the Prentice, Harvard, Vampire, Toofani, Mystere IVa, Hunters, Gnat, Su-7 and also the Mig-21, clocking about 5000 Hrs of flying. He was genuinely fond of flying and his favorite pass time was watching the Su-30 aerobatics from his home close to A.F. Station, Lohegaon.

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