Air Marshal Randhir Singh passed away at 97
Air Marshal Randhir Singh passed away at 97
Air Marshal Randhir Singh, one of the oldest surviving officers of the Indian Air Force passed way yesterday. He was 97. Air Marshal Randhir Singh's commissioning into the service dates back to the pre-Independence era.
He is survived by his son, Wing Commander Pradeep Singh, and a daughter. A large number of serving and retired officers attended his funeral.
Wreaths were laid on his body on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the Western, Training and Maintenance Commands, President of the Air Force Association, Canberra Association and the Association of War Veterans.
Air Vice Marshal SK Jha, Air Officer Commanding, Advance HQs Chandimandir and Air Commodore Sanjeeva Sinha paid floral tributes.
On Independence, Air Marshal Randhir Singh was part of the first flypast over the Red Fort in Delhi, which was led by the Marshal. As a Flight Lieutenant in 1947, Randhir Singh flew 185 hours in close support of the Army troops during the J&K operations. He was decorated with the Vir Chakra for his leadership and courage in the face of enemy fire.
He flew numerous sorties during the Chinese aggression and in the 1965 India-Pak war successfully directed Air Defence operations in his area of responsibility.
He commanded the Adampur Airbase in 1971 overseeing defensive as well as offensive operations. For his services during the 1965 and 1971 wars, he was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
-PTC News
