Air Chief Marshal AP Singh PVSM AVSM To Deliver Keynote Address
Chandigarh: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh PVSM AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff will deliver the Keynote Address for the first Air Cmde Mehar Singh MVC DSO Memorial Talk at AF Station, Chandigarh on 09 January 2026. The talk has been organised by the Air Force Association (North Zone) and will be conducted at the Arjan Singh Auditorium, 12 Wing, AF, Chandigarh. Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy PVSM AVSM VM (Retd) Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh PVSM VSM (Retd), Senior Vice President of Air Force Association, Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh AVSM VSM (Retd) , President of the Air Force Association (North Zone), Senior officers of the IAF, both serving and retired, shall be in attendance.
Air Commodore Mehar Singh, affectionately known as ‘Baba’ Mehar Singh, is a legendary figure in the Indian Air Force. Despite his tragically short career, he achieved extraordinary feats and displayed unwavering courage, earning the highest respect and admiration. He was born on 20 March 1915, in Lyallpur district (now Faisalabad in Pakistan). He joined the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) and was sent to Cranwell for training before being commissioned in August 1936. He quickly became an exceptional pilot, earning accolades for his skill and dedication.
Air Commodore Singh’s bravery was evident in his early career operations in the North-West Frontier Province and during World War II. As commander of No. 6 Squadron in Burma, his leadership and daring exploits earned him the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1944, a rare honour for an Indian Air Force officer. Field Marshal Slim, commander of the British Fourteenth Army, praised his squadron’s performance.
Air Commodore Singh’s most renowned achievements occurred during the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistani War. As the Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, he played a crucial role in defending Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, he was the first pilot to land at the hastily constructed airstrip in Poonch in Nov 1947, establishing a vital air bridge that saved the town and refugees. His most daring feat came in May 1948 when he landed a Dakota aircraft at Leh. Flying over treacherous Himalayan ranges without navigational aids, he successfully landed on a makeshift airstrip at an altitude of 11,540 feet, a feat considered impossible. This daring mission ensured the reinforcement and supply of Leh, a strategic move that helped India retain control of the region.
In 1950, Air Commodore Mehar Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), India’s second-highest military decoration, for his exceptional gallantry and leadership. His pioneering spirit, courage, and innovative approach to warfare have left an indelible mark on the Indian Air Force, inspiring generations of air warriors. He remains a towering figure, remembered as a true legend of the skies and a saviour of strategically vital region of India.
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