A combat pilot who had a long life

His lungs had become weaker with age and the pollution of New Delhi. He took off his oxygen mask and asked the nurse for paper and a pen on his third morning in the hospital. She held out a pen, offering it to him. He took her hand and inscribed, “Led a full life,” on it. The pen left his hand and the fighter pilot in him took off for the other planet before he could write anything more.

Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa, better known as Minhi Bawa, did have a long and interesting life. He died a few weeks ago, at the age of 92. He flew fighter planes very well when he was a rookie pilot. His aircraft suffered a “bird hit” during a low-level flying practice, which led to engine failure. When he forced-landed the vampire aircraft, he broke both of his ankles severely.

He was placed on traffic control duty and grounded. He returned to the fighters three years later, having gained several accolades for his skill as a pilot. He was a distinguished fighter squadron commander. In 1971, he served as the head teacher at the IAF Fighter School in Jamnagar. He was sent to Jaisalmer with only four aircraft in order to seize control of that airfield and aid India’s military efforts against Pakistan as war clouds began to form in the distance.

It took a herculean effort for him to turn Jaisalmer into a functional airfield, but he did it with amazing quickness, dexterity, and creativity. He gave the dispersed airmen at that station a boost in morale.

He was informed, around midnight on December 4, 1971, that a significant column of enemy tanks and men had entered India at Longewala.

These planes were sent out just before dawn. They quickly attacked the opposing column. Each of these planes then conducted many missions, and by the evening, it had destroyed the enemy’s tank fleet and crushed their advance. His planes struck many enemy objectives in the last stages of the conflict, including oil storage tanks in Karachi. Under his creative and inspirational leadership, a small group of aircraft put on a stunning display that destroyed the enemy’s prospects of seizing Rajasthan.

Later, he studied at the UK’s Royal College of Defence Studies as an Air Commodore. He transformed Ambala Air Force Station into a productive operating facility for recently arrived Jaguar aircraft while serving as its commander. Following that, he held a number of significant positions, such as Air Attache for the nation to the United Kingdom, Chief Instructor (Air) at Staff College, Wellington, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Central Air Command.

He oversaw the growth and well-being of his New Delhi neighborhood after retiring. He placed several young guys in employment. He wrote a little bit and had a strong interest in Urdu poetry. With appropriate grace, the Indian Air Force said him farewell.