Our Heroes need their identity back

[Ultima Thule]

Not really. After India was given a pounding by China in 1962, death of Nehru in 64 — India was considered weak both militarily and politically. By 1965, Pak had joined SEATO and CENTO and received American military equipment which was far superior to anything India had. India also opted for arbitration in the Rann of Kutch dispute where Pak caught the Indians napping and made inroads. So Ayub Khan actually saw it as a great opportunity to wrest all of Kashmir by force. As an Indian, I can tell you that from a military perspective he seemed correct. Your opponent has just lost its tallest leader and has lost a war only 3 years ago. Its resources are stretched. You have superior equipment and you have just militarily surprised your enemy in Rann of Kutch. You also believe that the people of Kashmir will side with you. It seemed all the boxes were ticked.

That's why I have great respect for Shastri. Your character as a war time leader matters more when the odds are stacked against you. Pakistan did not expect India to open a second front in Punjab as India was seen as weak and leaderless. From what I've read and military readers can correct me if I am wrong - Indian Army was so shocked at the lack of defence on the Punjab front that they actually slowed down their advance because they assumed they were walking into a trap. After the tank battles of Assal Uttar and Chawinda also saw heavy tank losses on both sides. Militarily, this was the last chance for Pak to get Kashmir. It didn't and Shastri unfortunately doesn't get enough credit in India for rallying a country in those times while all the glory is reserved for Indira in 1971. I personally rate Shastri achievements higher because the odds were against him.

This thread is not for troll like you, we are talking about our weakness in 65/71, not yours

 

[Jackdaws]

This thread is not for troll like you, we are talking about our weakness in 65/71, not yours

OK, then ignore my comment.

 

[ghazi52]

September 12,1965

0130 Hours
Pathankot

It was first mission ever of its type. Not only in the history of PAF but in the history of aviation. Wing Commander and his Navigator Flight Lieutenant, both the aviators were sitting in the cockpit of Hercules C-130, quietly observing the panels and the atmosphere out of their aircraft. Though they already operated in the most dangerous Kashmir sector as well deep inside the enemy lines, but this was not just a cargo. These were lethal 18 bombs. Each weighing 1000 lbs each. Without the escort of fighter jets and any security countermeasures, they were going inside the enemy territory to hit the targets in Pathankot Area.

PAF was playing a vital role in the ongoing war. Fighter and bomber squadrons were destroying the enemy on daily basis, creating history and setting the course of heroism. Air Marshal Nur Khan came up with a splendid idea to convert the gigantic C-130 into a B-130. Every aviator from the transport crew volunteered for it. Some of the pilots were chosen for it and they conducted a practice session in Jamrud Area, Peshawar. The sorties were planned accordingly.

With a weight of 18000 lbs, Flight Lieutenant carefully calculated the climb. Initially they were on 2300 feet. As they reached the target area, they climbed up to 8000 feet. Going on the bombing run, they saw the navigation light of an aircraft, approaching from the front. It was a IAF interceptor.

"What to do sir?", Flight lieutenant asked his Boss.

"How far is the target son?", Wing commander asked.

"40 seconds away sir", in an excited voice, lieutenant replied.

"OK forget about the interception, drop the load on the target", in a firm voice, wing commander replied.

Indian Hunter was approaching them but they pushed the switch, dropping the 18000 lbs of devastating explosive on the enemy. Gigantic explosions shook the earth and the plane as well. IAF interceptor was puzzled for a moment and avoided shooting. Wing Commander immediately reduced the speed, so the Hunter over shot and avoided any damages .They immediately descended to the deck level and headed towards Pakistan. In the mean time ack-ack opened fire but the crew remained calm. After they landed safely, it was found that ground fire made a 0.5 inches hole in the left wing of the aircraft.

Later these brave aviators were awarded Sitara e Jurrat. Today these heroes are known as Flight Lieutenant Chauhdary Rizwan Ahmed (Later Air Commodore) and Wing commander Salah ud Din Zahid Butt (Later Group Captain).

 

[ghazi52]

·

September 01, 1965
1230 HRS

Sargodha Air Base

Whiskey! I repeat Whiskey!

This was the signal received at Sargodha Air Base, intercepted by the Wireless Control. Hearing this, Squadron Leader Sarfraz Ahmad Rafiqui and his No.2 immediately left their ADA and scrambled in the air, as it was the codename for the IAF Vampire Jets. Soon they were directed to reach over Chamb Area, where Pakistan Army was thrashing Indian Army. Just after a raid of 6 hours, Pakistan Army repulsed Indian army and now Indian Army was begging for the air support to save their lives.

The duty hours of “No.2” were over at 1200 HRS, but he requested his senior Rafiqui to resume his duty till 2000 HRS, with a deep smile on his face, Rafiqui agreed. As they reached near the battle area, radar alerted them for the presence of numerous “Birds” in the area. They started visual search not only for the attacking aircraft but also for the PAF C-in-C who was reported to be on an on-site assessment of the battle in a T-37.

Rafiqui and “No.2” were scanning the skies to find any Indian Aircrafts. Soon “No.2” spotted to dark spots at the left side and warned.

“Lead! 2 Birds at 9’O clock. Probably 3 to 4000 feet lower than us”,

“Clear my tail, let’s get them”, Rafiqui replied.

Suddenly “No.2” spotted 2 Canberras at left side, flying about 5000 feet away. He intended to ask for the permission to engage them, but cancelled as he saw 2 more Vampires diving towards Rafiqui. Now they were 6 enemy aircrafts in the sky and only two PAF Aircrafts. Instead of getting worried, “No.2” got infuriated. Without telling his Leader, he dived after the pair of Vampires at his leader’s tail. Meanwhile, Rafiqui had taken his quarry in his gun sight and fired a brief burst. Landing directly on the Vampire, it lit up the plane and it started omitting dark clouds of smoke, with his nose down towards the earth. Now he was after the other plane.

“No.2” was after his target now. Both vampires were trying to escape him but he was gradually taking it into his gun sight. As they were in the sight, “No.2” intended to squeeze the trigger, but held as it could hit Rafiqui as well. But the situation got worse as the plane which was in “No.2” gun sight had taken Rafiqui into his gun sight and Rafiqui was too busy in taking his target that he did not realize it. It seemed that within seconds, he was going to hit Rafiqui.

“Lead turn left”, he shouted on the radio and squeezed the trigger.

Like a chain reaction, 3 things happened. Rafiqui shot his second target with a 2 seconds burst, shattering into several pieces and turn his Sabre left. The burst from six 0.50 Caliber machine guns of “No.2” Sabre hit the enemy air craft, turning it into rubbles. While the remaining Vampire fled for his life, but No.2 was not in the mood to let him go.

“No.2 your tail is clear, don’t let this idiot go”, Rafiqui told “No.2” on the radio.

With a squeeze on the trigger, the burst hit the Vampire. To avoid the further damage, Vampire dived towards the ground. Following him, “No.2” also dived after him. Soon they reached tree top height. “No.2” fired at him and this time it hit the Vampire. Now the vampire shattered into pieces.

“Bulls Eye”, Rafiqui shouted on the radio.

The remaining 2 canberras disappeared from the sky. The whole situation was being the monitored by the Pakistani ground forces. With the slogans of “Allah O Akbar”, they greeted their Hawks. Rafiqui and “No.2” complimented them by making an loop and looking for any further target, they returned towards the base, where they were marching proudly as they opened the account with IAF.

5 days later, Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui embraced shahadat in the bloody battle of Halwara on September 06, 1965, whereas “No.2” participated in further battles on Ferozepur, where he destroyed a “Gnat” and crippled the other two in different battles. Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui and “No.2” were awarded “Sitara e Jurrat for the acts of valor. Today the world knows the “No.2” as Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti (Later as Air Commodore).

Imtiaz Bhatti Was born (18 April 1933) in Gujrat. He was the Pakistan cycling champion during his student days at Punjab Agriculture College, Lyallpur (now University of Agriculture, Faisalabad) in late 1940s and early 1950s. After completing his post-graduation studies from Agriculture College, he joined Pakistan Air Force in 1953, where he was commissioned as an Officer and had a distinguished carrier before retiring as Air Commodore in 1988.

 

[ghazi52]

..



Aircraft Man, Karnal Sher Khan, Later on Captain karnal sher Khan Shaheed ( Nishan e Haider)......
He joined PAF as an Airman in the year 1988. He was given Pak No 853149. He served in PAF, in Electric Trade. When he got commission in Pak Army, he was Junior Technician and was posted at PAF Academy Risalpur. This picture was taken at Pre Trade Training School ( PTTS ) Kohat.

 

[ghazi52]

This is unique picture of Maj. Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan e Haider) when he Joined Royal Indian Air force as an AC ( Air Craftman ). He then joined Pakistan Air Force on 14 August,1947 and later on he got commission in Pak Army.

 

[ghazi52]

Our Heroes need their identity back

December 07, 1971

Zafarwal-Shakargarh Sector

“Lead you are on fire! your left wing is hit. Eject”

His No.2 Flight Lieutenant Irfan was shouting on the radio. But he ignored and focused on the tanks in his gun sight. Suddenly his aircraft jerked and he saw that his left wing was on fire. Seeing this, he jettisoned his fuel tanks and pulled up.

”Lead you have a sheet of fire under you! Eject.”

His No.3 Rashid Chauhdary shouted this time.

“O.K! You bomb the bastards. Leave me alone”.

He replied and turned the aircraft towards Pakistani area. Suddenly the engine took a violent jerk and all the instruments in the cockpit went haywire. He looked back and saw nothing but fire.

“Eject Lead”, Irfan shouted.

“Relax No.2. Keep calm and carry on the mission”. He calmly replied.

The pilot, his No.2 Flight lieutenant Irfan and his No.3 Squadron Leader Rashid Chauhdary, were accompanied by Group Captain Sajjad Haider and Wing Commander Imam Bukhari. Where the formation Leader was hit by an anti aircraft shell.

With a loud shriek, the left wing separated and the plane started to role horribly. it was suicidal to eject from a rolling aircraft. Remembering God, he ejected. Something felt like piercing thorough his right side of face and arm but he ignored. When he opened the parachute he felt a deep pain in his ribs.

It was not clear that where he was falling now. The area where he got shot was the Indian Territory and he tried to turn towards Pakistani Territory. Suddenly his aircraft exploded like a bomb, filling his heart with sorrow as if any good friend has died. He could see his fellows flying over the enemy area, bombing and firing. The vision got clearer as he got close to the ground. After 2 minutes, he landed on the ground.

The smoke rising from the destroyed Indian installations told him that opposite side is Pakistani side. He was the king of skies just moments ago, but losing his plane made him feel helpless. He walked a few steps when a machine gun burst hit the ground in front of him.

”Hands up, throw your revolver”, a loud voice alerted him.
He looked at his left side and saw a troop of 7 soldiers, with the uniforms without any insignia or identification mark on it. It could be any one, whether Indian or Pakistani. It was a fighting patrol.
“Who are you?”, asked the patrol leader.

“I am a Pakistani”, replied the pilot.

“Show me some identification”, Patrol Leader asked.

Not in a million years. Who the hell are you to ask me for that? Call your superior to talk to me, Pilot leader replied bluntly. The Patrol leader came with a gun brandishing towards the pilot and forcefully searched him and discovered an ID card of PAF from Pilot’s pocket, and his hand lowered.

“Sir take off your helmet please”, in a lower voice Patrol Leader said.

As he took off the helmet, Patrol leader introduced himself as a Pakistan Army Sergeant. Pilot told him the complete account of being shot down over the battle area and landing in the trees.

“Sir you are lucky it was us”, Patrol Leader told with a smile.
What you mean?, asked Pilot.

“Sir there is a mine field just a few steps away from you”, Patrol leader told.

A chilled wave travelled through the pilot’s spine.

Suddenly Indians started firing and the bullets were flying around them inches away, as their position was just 200 meters away from the enemy.

“Sir please go back, we will take care of these goons”, patrol leader replied while pointing towards the indian bunkers and ordered one of his men to escort the pilot, he took off his steel helmet and gave it to the Pilot.

“You wear it, you need it”, pilot handed it back.

“No sir you need it. Pilots like you are only few while soldiers like me are countless. Your safety comes first”, Patrol leader replied.

They just walked only a few hundred meters when he felt immense pain in his left ribs and right side of his face and arm. Solider accompanying told him that his face is bleeding and arm too. It actually happened when he was ejecting something scratched him. It was later discovered that his ribs were also broken when he opened his parachute.

He was taken to the nearby army field head quarters, where a Major and a Captain greeted him. Meanwhile enemy started shelling the area, but they were still standing outside the shelters.

“Why don’t you go inside? Pilot asked them in a surprised manner.

“Sir it’s our music and we are really enjoying it and it is to be enjoyed in the open. Not in a 4x4 bunker”, major replied with a smile.

The Pilot was taken to the airbase by a helicopter after 2 hours. His x-ray confirmed that he has 2 ribs broken. Medical Officer Squadron Leader Arif told him that he is not fit for action. But pilot requested him to declare fit as he is not feeling any pain. Seeing this Arif declared him fit for flight.
The Pilot continued his flight missions and struck the enemy brutally till the war ended. He flew 10 sorties after his ejection, destroying numerous enemy vehicles and and a SU-7 of the IAF. Everytime his plane landed on the ground, the crew took him out as he couldn’t move and he always requested his crew not to tell anyone about his severe condition. He got treatment after the end of war.

Today the world knows the valiant aviator as Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry Sitara-e-Jurat.

 

[ghazi52]

Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz

Polish World War II fighter pilot became a national hero in Pakistan, Pakistan’s Polish Patriot Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz

Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz (Second from right), Mrs Zofia Turowicz (Third from left) with other officers and cadets (1954, Chaklala)

Air Commodore Władysław Józef Marian Turowicz (23 April 1908 – 8 January 1980), usually referred to as W. J. M. Turowicz, was a Polish-Pakistani aviator, military scientist and aeronautical engineer.

Turowicz was the administrator of Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) from 1967 to 1970. He was one of forty five Polish officers and airmen who joined RPAF on contract in the early fifties. After completion of his initial contract, Turowicz opted to stay on in Pakistan and continued to serve in PAF and later, SUPARCO.
Turowicz made significant contributions to Pakistan's missile/rocket program as a chief aeronautical engineer. In Pakistan, he remains highly respected as a scientist and noted aeronautical engineer.

Turowicz was born to an aristocratic family in the village of Wadziejewsko in Siberia (Russia) in 1908, where he graduated from high school. The Polish name of the village may suggest it was inhabited by Poles who were exiled or imprisoned by the Tsar, as it was unusual for Polish aristocrats to live in Siberia for non-political reasons. From an early age on, Turowicz was fascinated by aviation technology and had collected different models of aircraft. Due to this passion, he moved to Warsaw where he attended the most prestigious engineering institute, the Warsaw University of Technology(WTU) in 1930, majoring in aeronautical engineering; upon graduation, he received his PhD with honours in 1936. While at Warsaw University of Technology, Turowicz joined and became a pioneering member of a Aeroklub Polski (better known as Polish Aero Club) where he had previliged to study and work with noted Polish engineers to the field of aerospace engineering. A distinguished member of Polski Club, he had an opportunity to study and work with Ryszard Bartel, Jerzy Drzewiecki, Henry Millicer, to name a few. It was here at the Aero Club that Turowicz met his future wife, Zofia Turowicz[4] with whom he would have 4 children. In addition, he completed an MSc in astrodynamics in 1937 from the same institution.[3] He joined the Polish Air Force as an aeronautical engineer and fighter pilot, but later emigrated to United Kingdom where he joined the Royal Air Force in 1939 as a reservist Polish pilot.

Though initially joining the Polish Air Force, Turowicz enlisted as a Royal Air Force reservist during World War II. He was immediately sent to Great Britain where he flew the British-built Handley Page Halifax during the war. Later, he was transferred into the Royal Air Force Aeronautics division where he served as Technical Inspector, and was put in charge of aircraft electrical and system information, organising, testing, and evaluating aircraft. After World War II, Turowicz did not return to Communist Poland due to the official negative attitude towards those who had served with the Allied Forces during the war.

As the political situation in Poland got worse, many Polish Air Force officers began to move to United States, Australia, Norway and Canada. Turowicz and 45 of his colleagues opted to move to Pakistan in 1948 on a three-year contract.
Turowicz set up technical institutes in Karachi. He taught and revitalised Pakistan Air Force Academy, where he worked as a chief scientist. He initially led the technical training in the airbase and a part of the Polish specialists in the technical section in Karachi.
In 1952, Turowicz was promoted to the rank of wing commander. In 1959, Turowicz was promoted in the rank of group captain. In 1960, he became an air commodore and an assistant chief of air staff, in charge of PAF's Maintenance Branch.

In 1966, the Government of Pakistan transferred him to SUPARCO, Pakistan's national space agency, where he worked there as a chief scientist and an aeronautical engineer. He, along with noted Pakistani theoretical physicist, Dr. Abdus Salam, who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979, met with President Khan where he successfully convinced him of the importance of a space program for a developing country like Pakistan after Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik.

He along with Dr. Salam travelled through to the United States to reach a space-co-operation agreement. He successfully convinced the United States Government to invest and train Pakistan's scientists in the field of rocket technology.

Turowicz was appointed head of SUPARCO in 1967 by the Government of Pakistan. As the administrator, he revitalised and initiated the space program as quickly as possible. As a noted aeronautical engineer, Air. Cdre. Władysław Turowicz upgraded Sonmiani Satellite Launch Centre in which he was responsible for installing Flight-Test Control Command, Launch Pad Control System and System Engineering Division.
Turowicz started a project for the fabrication and launch of a Pakistani satellite. As a result, Pakistan mastered the field of rocket technology by the end of the 1970s. He also set up the educational engineering institute at the SUPARCO.
Zofia, Turowicz's wife, and his two daughters joined him in Karachi in 1949, where a third daughter was born. Between 1950 and 1954, Zofia taught gliding to the Shaheen Air Cadets in Karachi and Rawalpindi. Two of his daughters married Pakistanis while the third daughter married a Bangladeshi. His widow, Zofia Turowicz, who died in 2012, was awarded the Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, and taught applied mathematics and particle physics at the Karachi University. Turowicz's son is currently working at the SUPARCO as an aerospace engineer and chief scientist.[5]Turowicz's grandson has completed a PHD in quantum physics from Brown University and is currently running the AI statistical modelling division at JP Morgan.

Air. Cdre. Turowicz was involved in a car accident on 8 January 1980 along with his driver. He was quickly taken to the military hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was buried in the Christian Cemetery in Karachi with full military honours. Both Polish, including the Consul-General of Poland in Karachi Mr. Kazimierz Maurer, and Pakistani military and civilian personnel attended his funeral in Karachi. The Government of Pakistan issued a condolence letter to his family, stating that Turowicz was not only an outstanding Air Force officer, but also a scientist, and had served in the country's space program.

Awards
Sitara-e-Pakistan (1965)
Tamgha-i-Pakistan (1967)
Sitara-i-Khidmat (1967)
Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam (1971)
Sitara-e-Imtiaz, (Mil) (1972)
Abdus Salam Award in Aeronautical Engineering (1978)
ICTP Award in Space Physics (1979)

 

[ghazi52]

Flt Lt Willam D Harney

As the clouds of war gathered in the last week of Aug 1965,
Flt Lt Willam D Harney was detached to Peshawar ( along with a detachment of Bomber AirCrew ). On night of 12 Sep, Harney was detailed to fly a two-ship formation of B-57’s to strike Ambala, one of the most heavily defended Bases of the IAF, deep inside enemy territory. The TOT was one hour past midnight. As the formation took off they observed that nothing was visible; the Indian cities, Villages, bridges and other ground features seemed to be all covered under a black pall. Harney was meticulously guiding the bombers to Ambala, from where the IAF was continuously launching air operations in West Pakistan. Formatting in battle formation behind the leader was another roaring B-57 bomber piloted by Wg Cdr Nazir Latif and Sqn Ldr Aurangzeb khan as his navigator.

The Aircraft were strictly maintaining a complete R/ T silence and in such a poor visibility conditions, the mission had become more challenging for the navigators of the formation. On reaching the IP (Initial Point ), Najeeb Started to Descend through the thick layer of haze and headed for the target. As the formation approached near the target, Harney asked the formation to carry out final checks. One minute short of target, he started with the final countdown. As they approached close to the target, Harney felt a tingling sensation down the spine; knocking of the anxiety; he immediately carried out the Bombing checks.

As he approached the target, all the tales about the strong defences of Ambala and its defence preparedness started to buzz his mind. Keeping faith, he disregarded his thoughts, got ready for the ordeal and went in for a run.
He looked down to pick up visual with the target but failed to make out anything due to complete blackout. As the Aircraft pulled up for attack, suddenly the sky around the aircraft lit up with ack-ack fire making a barrage of tracers and shell bursts. The devastating fire had filled the whole place and his cockpit filled up with flashing lights. Racked and rocked the formidable B-57 moved on. Through this sparkling web of concentrated fire, he could make out Aircraft hangers silhouetted against the dim moonlight.

Soon he started with the countdown and as he announced that the Aircraft is overhead the target, pilot pressed the trigger. In seconds, four thousand pounders jerked out of the bay and tumbled down into the darkness below. With all the fireworks around, the formation pulled up for the second run to ensure complete destruction of the Airfield . The second run was no different from the first. Leaving the Airfield in huge ball of fire, they exited at deck level . Harney calculated the fuel and gave heading to the pilot to return home. They knew they had a long way to go back and they were running low on fuel. By the time the formation exited, the myriad fires at the Base presented quite an impressive spectacle.

Flt Lt Willam D Harney was awarded Sitara –e- Jurrat. He retired as Sqn. Ldr on April 13, 1974.

 

[ghazi52]

December 08, 1971
Bahawalnagar, West Pakistan

Wrt Off Asghar and Wrt Off Muhammad Ghazanfar from PAF were on duty. They were ordered to establish an OP on the top of a water tank and scan the skies for any incoming Indian aircrafts.

It was the early morning when they both heard a humming noise from the east and soon they visualized an incoming IAF Mystere aircraft. As the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude, it identified the presence of a post on the top of water tank. Mystere started firing on the two air men; keeping their enemy in the sight, both Asghar and Ghazanfar grabbed their G-3 Rifles and were ready to fire.
Both of them were no match for speed and fire power of the Mystere. The aircraft managed to punch some holes in the water tank and passed. It yanked and turned towards the post of Ghazanfar and Asghar again. Both of them were still standing, keeping the incoming Mystere in their target sight and standing upright. As the aircraft came into the rifle range, they both shot a total of 18 rounds with precision. The plane started oozing black smoke. After going about 2 miles forward, air craft crashed into the barren terrain.

They informed Air Head Quarters, and a team was sent to collect the facts.

Both Ghazanfar and Asghar were awarded Tamgha-e-Jurrat for this act of valour.

Served PAF As Ground Signallers,

Later Asghar Sb Got Branch Listed Permanent Commission.

Both Were Deployed Near Chishtian Border

Basic Duty Was To Transmit Indian Craft's Report To SOC On HF Set In Morse Code.

They Did It With Legendary Way Of Bravery

 

[ghazi52]

September 6, 1965

0700 Hours.


6 F-86 were heading towards Jasarr sector, east of the Jassar Bridge to attack enemy artillery which slowed down movement of our troops by destroying the bridge behind them. Make sure the job is well done and no enemy gun remains intact", was the message received by Squadron Leader Syed Sajjad Haider of 19 Squadron.
As he passed this message to his boys, their blood flow increased and in a state of enthusiasm and immortal courage, the squadron started packing up to conduct the raid. They were about to leave, a message from Air Cdre Rahim Khan was 6received,"This is the opening of your Squadron. Make sure the job is well done.
0840 Hours
The formation of six F-86 aircrafts including Syed Sajjad Haider, Flt Lts Muhammad Akbar, Arshad Sami, Khalid Latif, Dilawar and Ghani Akbar were on their course to destroy the Indian artillery when the radio crackled in the silence of six Sabres.

"Abandon the mission, head towards Attari between Lahore and Amritsar and destroy the advancing Indian Convoy which is near Lahore." . In a vicious mood, the hawks pulled up. The formation was armed with rockets along with six 0.5 inches Browning Machine Guns with Armor Piercing rounds.

0900 Hours

Witnessing the routine life of people even in thicket of war, waving the hands for the planes as if they are kites, buses moving on the road normally, they passed over the Lahore. From 3-4 miles to the north of GT road, they picked the sight of tank tracks. They picked the sight of several tanks and armoured personal carriers. Assuming that it might be Pakistani column, Sajjad called on radio"Boys our Armoured Corps seems to be finally out, let's give them a salute". As he pulled up, he saw first batch of vehicles with unmistakable saffron roundels.

"Oh no boys these are Indian vehicles, let's get them. Select switches to hot, fire rockets in pairs".

All the six aviators locked the targets and fired. Enemy tanks started to explode. As they went for the second run, Squadron Leader Mervyn Middlecot also joined them with his F-104. The fighters kept thrashing the enemy for several minutes and destroyed almost all the column and not even a single enemy aircraft dared to intercept them.

"Alright boys, let's back home", keeping the fuel and ammunition limitations in mind, Sajjad Haider advised his boys. All the formation returned to base safely and participated in several attacks conducted later on.

 

[fitpOsitive]

December 07, 1971
Zafarwal-Shakargarh Sector

“Lead you are on fire! your left wing is hit. Eject”

His No.2 Flight Lieutenant Irfan was shouting on the radio. But he ignored and focused on the tanks in his gun sight. Suddenly his aircraft jerked and he saw that his left wing was on fire. Seeing this, he jettisoned his fuel tanks and pulled up.

”Lead you have a sheet of fire under you! Eject.”

His No.3 Rashid Chauhdary shouted this time.

“O.K! You bomb the bastards. Leave me alone”.

He replied and turned the aircraft towards Pakistani area. Suddenly the engine took a violent jerk and all the instruments in the cockpit went haywire. He looked back and saw nothing but fire.

“Eject Lead”, Irfan shouted.

“Relax No.2. Keep calm and carry on the mission”. He calmly replied.

The pilot, his No.2 Flight lieutenant Irfan and his No.3 Squadron Leader Rashid Chauhdary, were accompanied by Group Captain Sajjad Haider and Wing Commander Imam Bukhari. Where the formation Leader was hit by an anti aircraft shell.

With a loud shriek, the left wing separated and the plane started to role horribly. it was suicidal to eject from a rolling aircraft. Remembering God, he ejected. Something felt like piercing thorough his right side of face and arm but he ignored. When he opened the parachute he felt a deep pain in his ribs.

It was not clear that where he was falling now. The area where he got shot was the Indian Territory and he tried to turn towards Pakistani Territory. Suddenly his aircraft exploded like a bomb, filling his heart with sorrow as if any good friend has died. He could see his fellows flying over the enemy area, bombing and firing. The vision got clearer as he got close to the ground. After 2 minutes, he landed on the ground.

The smoke rising from the destroyed Indian installations told him that opposite side is Pakistani side. He was the king of skies just moments ago, but losing his plane made him feel helpless. He walked a few steps when a machine gun burst hit the ground in front of him.

”Hands up, throw your revolver”, a loud voice alerted him.
He looked at his left side and saw a troop of 7 soldiers, with the uniforms without any insignia or identification mark on it. It could be any one, whether Indian or Pakistani. It was a fighting patrol.
“Who are you?”, asked the patrol leader.

“I am a Pakistani”, replied the pilot.

“Show me some identification”, Patrol Leader asked.

Not in a million years. Who the hell are you to ask me for that? Call your superior to talk to me, Pilot leader replied bluntly. The Patrol leader came with a gun brandishing towards the pilot and forcefully searched him and discovered an ID card of PAF from Pilot’s pocket, and his hand lowered.

“Sir take off your helmet please”, in a lower voice Patrol Leader said.

As he took off the helmet, Patrol leader introduced himself as a Pakistan Army Sergeant. Pilot told him the complete account of being shot down over the battle area and landing in the trees.

“Sir you are lucky it was us”, Patrol Leader told with a smile.
What you mean?, asked Pilot.

“Sir there is a mine field just a few steps away from you”, Patrol leader told.

A chilled wave travelled through the pilot’s spine.

Suddenly Indians started firing and the bullets were flying around them inches away, as their position was just 200 meters away from the enemy.

“Sir please go back, we will take care of these goons”, patrol leader replied while pointing towards the indian bunkers and ordered one of his men to escort the pilot, he took off his steel helmet and gave it to the Pilot.

“You wear it, you need it”, pilot handed it back.

“No sir you need it. Pilots like you are only few while soldiers like me are countless. Your safety comes first”, Patrol leader replied.

They just walked only a few hundred meters when he felt immense pain in his left ribs and right side of his face and arm. Solider accompanying told him that his face is bleeding and arm too. It actually happened when he was ejecting something scratched him. It was later discovered that his ribs were also broken when he opened his parachute.

He was taken to the nearby army field head quarters, where a Major and a Captain greeted him. Meanwhile enemy started shelling the area, but they were still standing outside the shelters.

“Why don’t you go inside? Pilot asked them in a surprised manner.

“Sir it’s our music and we are really enjoying it and it is to be enjoyed in the open. Not in a 4x4 bunker”, major replied with a smile.

The Pilot was taken to the airbase by a helicopter after 2 hours. His x-ray confirmed that he has 2 ribs broken. Medical Officer Squadron Leader Arif told him that he is not fit for action. But pilot requested him to declare fit as he is not feeling any pain. Seeing this Arif declared him fit for flight.
The Pilot continued his flight missions and struck the enemy brutally till the war ended. He flew 10 sorties after his ejection, destroying numerous enemy vehicles and and a SU-7 of the IAF. Everytime his plane landed on the ground, the crew took him out as he couldn’t move and he always requested his crew not to tell anyone about his severe condition. He got treatment after the end of war.

Today the world knows the valiant aviator as Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry Sitara-e-Jurat.

Woh jo baichtay thy dawa e dil, woh dukan apni berha gaey.

 

[ghazi52]

DG ISPR
@OfficialDGISPR

Nation venerates supreme sacrifice of Capt Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, NH, #Kashmir War 1948. His insurmountable courage & unwavering loyalty will forever be an epitome of valiance. Every bullet he took 4 country, for Kashmir, strengthens our resolve to defend Pakistan at all cost.

3:01 PM · Jul 26, 2020·

 

[ghazi52]

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

Pakistan's national hero Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui Shaheed (Hilal-i-Jurrat).

On 6th September, 1965, Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui led a formation of three F-86 aircraft on a strike against Halwara airfield. Soon after crossing the Indian border Squadron Leader Rafiqui had been warned about a large number of enemy interceptors being in the air by the leader of a returning F-86 formation. He, however, continued his mission single-mindedly.

On the way back, the formation was intercepted by about ten Hunter aircraft out of which Squadron Leader Rafiqui accounted for one in the first few seconds. After Squadron Leader Rafiqui shot down one Hunter aircraft, his guns jammed due to a defect and stopped firing upon which he refused to leave the battle area as he would have been perfectly justified to do; he, instead ordered his No. 2 Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry to take over as leader and continue the engagement with the enemy. He himself now took up a defensive position in the formation in an attempt to give it as much protection as was possible by continuing fighting maneuvers in unarmed aircraft whilst the remainder proceeded to give battle to the enemy. This called for a quality of courage and dedication on the part of Squadron Leader Rafiqui equal to the best in the history of air-fighting. The end for him was never in doubt. He chose to disregard it and in the process, his aircraft was shot down and he was killed but not without his action enabling his formation to shoot down three more Hunter aircraft.

Squadron Leader Rafiqui thus provided exemplary leadership in battle and displayed outstanding courage in the face of exceptionally strong opposition. His inspiring leadership and selfless example significantly affected the subsequent course of the air war in which the P.A.F. never failed to dictate terms to an overwhelmingly larger and better equipped enemy. Squadron Leader Rafiqui's conduct was clearly beyond the call of duty and conformed to the highest tradition of leadership and bravery in battle against overwhelming odds. For this and his earlier exploits, he is posthumously awarded Hilal-i-Juraat.

 

[ghazi52]

Today (8th August 2017) 3rd Shahadat anniversary of Wg Cdr Zeeshan Atta OC 18 Sqn. May Allah give him the highest rank in Jannah, Ameen!