Details : | Squadron Leader Bhagat Singh Kaira was in command of a Helicopter detachment in NEFA during October-November 1962 and flew 300 operational sorties during this short period. On 21st October 1963, he averted a major disaster by making a quick and correct appreciation oF a dangerous situation. Five helicopters were operating individually for conveying troops to a forward area. The GOC-in-C. Eastern Command was travelling in one of the helicopters. Enroute to the forward area. Flight Lieutenant Kalra was informed by the Captain of another aircraft that a large lire was raging in an Army post ahead. Noticing a great deal of unusual troop movement, he ordered all helicopters to return to base, and thus saved them as as well as their occupants, On 23rd October 1962, flying from dawn to dusk. Flight Lieutenant Kaira evacuated about 300 women and children from Tawang. On another occasion, he rescued two Air Force officers who had to crash land after their helicopter had been shot down by the Chinese. Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Bhagat Singh Kalra displayed a very high sense of duty and professional skill which are in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. |