#Indian Air Force Airmen

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 110th EBS conduct hot pit refueling on a B-2 Spirit bomber during a Bomber Task Force mission at Diego Garcia, BRITISH Indian Ocean Territory, Aug. 21, 2024. (w. erhart)

@kadonkey via X

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

D-Day was a powerful illustration of how alliances make us stronger in the defense of freedom. This lesson has never resonated more.

[President Biden]

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 6, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 07, 2024

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had good news for the American people when he gave his twenty-ninth Fireside Chat on June 5, 1944. The day before, on June 4, Rome had fallen to Allied troops. “The first of the Axis capitals is now in our hands,” Roosevelt said. 

The president pointed out that “it is…significant that Rome has been liberated by the armed forces of many nations. The American and British armies—who bore the chief burdens of battle—found at their sides our own North American neighbors, the gallant Canadians. The fighting New Zealanders from the far South Pacific, the courageous French and the French Moroccans, the South Africans, the Poles and the East Indians—all of them fought with us on the bloody approaches to the city of Rome. The Italians, too, forswearing a partnership in the Axis which they never desired, have sent their troops to join us in our battles against the German trespassers on their soil.”

This group of ordinary men from many different countries had worked together to defeat the forces of fascism.

But FDR warned Americans that the fall of Rome was only the beginning. “We shall have to push through a long period of greater effort and fiercer fighting before we get into Germany itself,” he said. [T]he victory still lies some distance ahead. That distance will be covered in due time—have no fear of that. But it will be tough and it will be costly.”

FDR knew something his audience did not. On the other side of the Atlantic, paratroopers, their faces darkened with cocoa, were already dropping into France, and the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allies were on their way across the English channel. 

The order of the day from their commander Dwight D. Eisenhower that day had read: “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed people of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. 

“Your task will not be an easy one,” it read, but it assured the troops that the Germans had suffered great defeats and Allied bombing had reduced German strength, while “[o]ur Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!”

Eisenhower’s public confidence did not reflect his understanding that the largest amphibious invasion in military history was a gamble. On June 5, in pencil on a sheet of paper, he had written a message to be communicated in case the invasion failed.     

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops,” it read. “My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and dedication to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

On the morning of June 6, 1944, five naval assault divisions stormed the beaches of Normandy. Seven thousand ships and landing craft operated by more than 195,000 naval personnel from 8 countries brought almost 133,000 troops to beaches given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. By the end of the day, more than 10,000 Allied troops were wounded or killed, but the Allies had established a foothold in France that would permit them to flood troops, vehicles, and supplies into Europe. When FDR held a press conference later that day, officials and press both were jubilant. 

Today, eighty years later, world leaders and more than two dozen U.S. veterans of D-Day gathered to commemorate that day. They met above Omaha Beach at the Normandy American Cemetery, where the remains of 9,388 Americans, many of whom were killed on D-Day, are buried. 

“Hitler and those with him thought democracies were weak, that the future belonged to dictators,” President Joe Biden said in a speech. “Here, on the coast of Normandy, the battle between freedom and tyranny would be joined.” 

Biden honored the visiting veterans by name—Kenneth Blaine Smith, Bob Gibson, Ben Miller, Louis Brown, Woody Woodhouse, Marjorie Stone—and recounted what they did that day: operating radar, driving an M4 tractor mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, dragging injured soldiers to safety, treating wounds, driving trucks carrying supplies, flying and fixing planes. 

Echoing FDR’s chat about the fall of Rome, Biden attributed D-Day’s success to ordinary people. “Every soldier who stormed the beach, who dropped by parachute or landed by glider; every sailor who manned the thousands of ships and landing craft; every aviator who destroyed German-controlled air fields, bridges, and railroads—all—all were backed by other brave Americans, including hundreds of thousands of people of color and women who courageously served despite unjust limitations on what they could do for their nation,” Biden said. 

The story of the veterans “has always been the story of America,” Biden said. “Just walk the rows of this cemetery…. Nearly 10,000 heroes buried side by side, officers and enlisted, immigrants and native-born. Different races, different faiths, but all Americans. All served with honor when America and the world needed them most.” 

“Millions back home did their part as well.  From coast to coast, Americans found countless ways to pitch in. They understood our democracy is only as strong as all of us make it, together.” 

“The men who fought here became heroes not because they were the strongest or toughest or were fiercest—although they were,” Biden said, “but because they…knew, beyond any doubt, there are things that are worth fighting and dying for.” 

“Freedom is worth it. Democracy is worth it. America is worth it. The world is worth it—then, now, and always.”

“Here we proved the forces of liberty are stronger than the forces of conquest,” Biden said. “Here we proved that the ideals of our democracy are stronger than any army or combination of armies in the entire world.”

D-Day also proved that alliances make us stronger, Biden said, a principle that after the war led to the creation of “the greatest military alliance in the history of the world,” NATO. He continued, to applause: “America’s unique ability to bring countries together is an…undeniable source of our strength and our power. Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago, and it is not the answer today.”  

“The struggle between a dictatorship and freedom is unending,” he said, and he vowed that the U.S., NATO, and allied countries will not walk away from Ukraine in its fight to resist Russia’s assault. “[T]o bow down to dictators,” he said, “means we’d be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches.”

“History tells us freedom is not free,” Biden said. “If you want to know the price of freedom, come here to Normandy…and remember: The price of unchecked tyranny is the blood of the young and the brave. 

“In their generation, in their hour of trial, the Allied forces of D-Day did their duty. Now the question for us is: In our hour of trial, will we do ours?

“We’re living in a time when democracy is more at risk across the world than at any point…since these beaches were stormed in 1944. Now, we have to ask ourselves: Will we stand against tyranny, against evil, against crushing brutality of the iron fist? 

“Will we stand for freedom? Will we defend democracy? Will we stand together?

“My answer is yes. And it only can be yes.” 

“Let us be the generation that when history is written about our time—in 10, 20, 30, 50, 80 years from now—it will be said: When the moment came, we met the moment. We stood strong. Our alliances were made stronger. And we saved democracy in our time as well.”

During the ceremony, the past and the present came together. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky shook the hand of a U.S. veteran in a wheelchair. When the man tried to kiss Zelensky’s hand, the Ukraine president instead stooped and hugged him. “You’re the savior of the people,” the man said. Zelensky answered, “You saved Europe.” The exchange continued: “You’re my hero.” “No, you are our hero.” 

As the crowd cheered, the old man turned to look at the younger one and said, “I pray for you.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[karnidefenceacademy]

Airforce coaching in Jaipur

Indian air force invites applications to join as airmen in Group 'X' trades and Group 'Y' trades twice a year. The notifications come in July.

[carrerssss]

Defence Exam Preparation in Aurangabad

Defence exam preparation is a critical journey for individuals aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Whether it’s the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), or any other defence-related exams, adequate preparation is the key to success. Aurangabad, a historical city with rich cultural heritage, has now emerged as one of the popular hubs for defence exam coaching. With various institutions offering comprehensive guidance and training, candidates in Aurangabad are well-positioned to achieve their goals.

Understanding Defence Exams

The Indian Armed Forces recruit candidates through several competitive exams. These include:

National Defence Academy (NDA): This exam is for candidates who wish to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force after completing their 12th grade.

Combined Defence Services (CDS): The CDS exam is for graduates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Indian Air Force X and Y Group: For those aspiring to be airmen in the Indian Air Force.

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): For graduates who want to join the Indian Air Force as Flying Officers.

Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET): For those looking to join the Indian Navy.

Preparation for these exams is not just about knowing the syllabus but also about the strategy, mental fortitude, and physical fitness. This is where coaching institutes and expert guidance play a crucial role.

Defence Exam Preparation in Aurangabad

Aurangabad is home to several reputed coaching institutes that specialize in preparing candidates for defence exams. These institutes offer a well-structured curriculum designed to cover all aspects of the exam, including:

Academics:

Defence exams require a strong grasp of subjects like Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Physics. Coaching centers in Aurangabad provide expert faculty and study materials to help students master these subjects.

Regular mock tests and practice papers ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the exam's pressure and time constraints.

Physical Training:

Physical fitness is a vital aspect of the defence exams. Institutes in Aurangabad offer specialized physical training sessions to help candidates improve their stamina, endurance, and overall physical health.

The physical tests are designed to meet the standards set by the defence forces, including running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other fitness assessments.

Personality Development and Interview Preparation:

The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview is an essential part of the selection process. Many coaching institutes in Aurangabad focus on personality development and conduct mock interviews.

These sessions help candidates improve their communication skills, leadership abilities, and decision-making skills, which are crucial for cracking the interview.

Time Management and Exam Strategy:

Time management is crucial for defence exams. Students are taught techniques to manage their time effectively, allowing them to complete the exam on time and with accuracy.

The coaching centers also focus on exam strategies, such as identifying high-weightage topics and solving questions under time pressure.

Motivation and Confidence Building:

Defence exams can be mentally challenging, and staying motivated throughout the preparation phase is important. Coaching institutes in Aurangabad not only provide academic and physical training but also help students build their confidence and mental toughness.

Guest lectures from ex-defence officers and motivational speakers inspire candidates to stay focused on their goals.

Key Features of Defence Coaching in Aurangabad

Experienced Trainers: The institutes in Aurangabad employ highly experienced trainers, many of whom have a background in the Armed Forces or teaching defence aspirants. This hands-on experience is invaluable in guiding students.

Modern Infrastructure: To provide an optimal learning experience, coaching institutes are equipped with modern classrooms, libraries, and online learning platforms. Many institutes also offer study material in both digital and physical formats to cater to different learning preferences.

Individual Attention: Institutes focus on providing individual attention to students. Regular doubt-solving sessions and small batch sizes ensure that students receive personalized coaching, improving their chances of success.

Regular Mock Tests and Analysis: Mock tests are conducted regularly to assess the progress of students. The results are analyzed, and areas of improvement are identified, ensuring a continuous learning process.

Affordable Fees: Many coaching institutes in Aurangabad offer affordable fee structures without compromising the quality of education. This makes defence exam preparation accessible to a wider range of students.

Choosing the Right Coaching Institute

With numerous coaching centers available in Aurangabad, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are a few factors to consider before enrolling:

Reputation and Success Rate: Look for institutes with a proven track record of successful candidates. Checking past results and speaking to alumni can give you a better understanding of the institute’s credibility.

Faculty Expertise: Ensure that the trainers have experience in preparing students for defence exams and are well-versed in the subjects.

Study Materials and Mock Tests: Institutes offering updated study materials and regular mock tests will give you a competitive edge.

Infrastructure and Location: The coaching center should be easily accessible and have the necessary infrastructure to provide a conducive learning environment.

Feedback from Students: Read reviews and testimonials from current or past students to gauge the quality of the institute.

Conclusion

Defence exam preparation in Aurangabad offers ample opportunities for aspirants to shape their future in the Indian Armed Forces. The city has established itself as a center of excellence in defence coaching, providing comprehensive training in academics, physical fitness, and personality development. With the right guidance, dedication, and hard work, candidates in Aurangabad are well-equipped to succeed in their pursuit of a career in the defence forces.

If you’re looking for top-notch training for defence exams, Major Kulthe Defence Education Institute in Aurangabad provides a structured and supportive environment to help you reach your goals and embark on a successful career in the Armed Forces.

[one-world-news]

Happy Indian Air Force Day 2024: Honoring the Valor of Our Brave Pilots with Messages, Quotes, and Images to Share

Indian Air Force Day, celebrated every year on October 8th, is a significant occasion that honors the valor, dedication, and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who protect the nation’s skies. As we mark Indian Air Force Day 2024, it’s time to pay tribute to the fearless pilots, ground staff, and all the unsung heroes who ensure the country’s security with unparalleled bravery and professionalism. The IAF has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability, and this day celebrates not just their victories but also the unyielding spirit that drives them.

A Glorious Legacy

Since its inception on October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force has grown into one of the most powerful air forces in the world. Initially, it started with just a few pilots and aircraft but has evolved into a mighty force equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art fighter jets. The IAF’s legacy is filled with moments of pride, such as its critical role in the 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars, along with numerous humanitarian missions that have saved countless lives during natural disasters.

The Air Force Motto, "Nabham Sparsham Deeptam," meaning "Touch the Sky with Glory," is a testament to their soaring spirit and their drive to defend the nation's sovereignty. Their courage in the face of danger, swift responses, and commitment to excellence is what makes them truly exceptional.

Celebrating the Valor of Our Pilots

Indian Air Force Day is not just about commemorating the past; it is also about recognizing the present and the future of this elite force. Our pilots and airmen undergo rigorous training, operate highly sophisticated equipment, and perform complex maneuvers that demand precision, mental toughness, and sheer bravery. They defend the nation not only from external threats but also aid in times of internal crises, providing disaster relief, conducting rescue operations, and offering assistance during national emergencies.

As citizens, it’s our duty to express our gratitude to these brave men and women who are constantly on the frontline, ensuring our safety. Sharing heartfelt messages, quotes, and images on this day is one way to show our respect and admiration for their service.

Messages and Quotes to Share

On this Indian Air Force Day, inspire others by sharing these powerful messages and quotes:

"Let us salute our fearless warriors of the sky. Happy Indian Air Force Day!"

"The Indian Air Force doesn't just fly in the sky; it touches hearts and wins battles with honor. Proud of our IAF heroes!"

"Touching the sky with glory and defending the nation with pride. Happy Indian Air Force Day 2024!"

"In the face of adversity, the Indian Air Force soars higher. We salute the brave pilots and personnel of the IAF today and always!"

"Our skies are safe because of their courage. Happy Indian Air Force Day to all the heroes of the IAF."

Images to Share

Social media platforms buzz with pride and patriotism on Indian Air Force Day. To further spread the spirit of this celebration, share images that highlight the legacy of the IAF. Pictures of fighter jets soaring through the skies, iconic moments from air shows, and visuals of pilots in action can inspire patriotism and gratitude.

These images serve as a reminder of the immense strength, discipline, and dedication that define the Indian Air Force. You can download these images from the official IAF website or browse through military photography platforms to find visuals that capture the spirit of the da

Indian Air Force Day is a day of pride for every Indian. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on the selfless service of the men and women in uniform who ensure that the skies above our heads are safe and free. Let’s take a moment to honor their courage by sharing messages, quotes, and images, spreading awareness about their invaluable contribution to the nation. Happy Indian Air Force Day 2024! Jai?

Read more: About Latest News, Latest India News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Recipes Tips Healthy Lifestyle, Fashion & Lifestyle, Travel & Leisure and more from One World News

[webszet]

Happy Indian Air Force Day to all our brave airmen and airwomen!

From defending our skies to aiding in disaster relief, their contributions are invaluable. We salute their dedication and bravery!

[chhibrin]

Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh

Comprehensive Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh at IFA Defence Academy

Preparing for a career in the Indian Air Force is exciting and challenging. If you're aiming to join the prestigious Air Force as an Airman, cracking the Group X and Y exams is a crucial step. At IFA Defence Academy, we offer specialized Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh to help aspiring candidates achieve their dreams.

What is Group X and Y?

The Indian Air Force recruits Airmen through two categories:

Group X: For technical trades, such as engineering and mechanical fields. Candidates with a science background (Physics and Mathematics) are eligible for this group.

Group Y: For non-technical trades, such as administration, logistics, and other ground-based jobs. Candidates from any educational background are eligible for Group Y.

These exams are highly competitive and require focused preparation, which is where professional coaching plays a significant role.

Why Choose IFA Defence Academy for Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh?

At IFA Defence Academy, we understand the unique needs of candidates preparing for the Group X and Y exams. Our comprehensive coaching program is designed to cover all aspects of the exam, from the written test to the physical fitness test.

Expert Faculty

Our experienced instructors have a deep understanding of the Air Force exam patterns and syllabus. Whether it’s technical subjects for Group X or general knowledge and reasoning for Group Y, our faculty ensures that every topic is thoroughly covered.

2. Customized Study Materials

We provide tailor-made study materials that focus on the latest exam trends. Our notes, mock tests, and practice papers are specifically designed for Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh, giving students a competitive edge.

3. Regular Mock Tests

Mock tests are a crucial part of our coaching program. These tests not only familiarize students with the exam pattern but also help them manage their time effectively. Regular evaluation and feedback help in continuous improvement.

4. Physical Fitness Training

Physical fitness is an important part of the Air Force selection process. At IFA Defence Academy, we offer guided fitness sessions to prepare students for the physical efficiency test. Our fitness trainers focus on endurance, strength, and overall physical well-being.

5. Personalized Attention

We maintain small batch sizes to ensure that each student receives personalized attention. This helps in addressing individual doubts and providing one-on-one mentoring.

6. Proven Track Record

IFA Defence Academy has a proven track record of success. Many of our students have successfully cleared the Group X and Y exams and are now serving in the Indian Air Force. Our consistent results speak volumes about the quality of coaching we provide.

How do you join the IFA Defence Academy for Group X and Y Coaching?

Enrolling in our Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh is simple. You can visit our website or contact us directly for more information on admission procedures, course duration, and fee structure. We offer both regular and crash courses to accommodate students at different stages of their preparation.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the Group X and Y exams requires dedication, focus, and the right guidance. With expert coaching, tailored study materials, and a proven training program, IFA Defence Academy is your go-to destination for Group X and Y Coaching in Chandigarh. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in the Indian Air Force with the IFA Defence Academy by your side!

Contact us today to learn more and start your journey toward success!

[lboogie1906]

Tuskegee Airman Captain Fred Hutcherson Jr. (July 6, 1912 - July 6, 1962, was the first African American aviator to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Born in Evanston, Illinois, he was the oldest son of Fred and Orain Hutcherson Sr. His father supported his early fascination with flight and when his son turned 18, he brought him an airplane, the OX5 Travel Air open-cockpit biplane. He taught himself to fly taking off from a dirt strip and practicing aerial maneuvers in the skies several miles west of Evanston.

At age 20, he was hired to manage Northwest Airport. He was the first Black airport manager in the US. He was employed as manager of Sky Harbor Airport. By age 23 he was making charter flights out of Harlem Airport, but as WWII approached he sought work in the US Ferry Command. He was not hired as Black pilots were banned by that agency. Married since a teenager to Regina Laurent, the couple and their son, relocated to Montreal, where he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

He attained the rank of captain in the RCAF and had begun instructing bombers pilots and navigators to assist the Allies. He transferred to the Royal Canadian Ferry Command, passed the highest on qualifying exams, and in his capacity as a ferry pilot became the first person of African descent to fly a plane across the Atlantic Ocean.

Still desiring to fight in WWII as an American serviceman, he quit his job as a pilot for British West Indian Airways to answer the call for experienced Black aviators to assemble at Tuskegee Army Airfield. He joined the famed Tuskegee Airmen and served out the war with them although he was not stationed overseas.

He was a flight instructor at Ravenswood Airport, founded a pilot school in Haiti where he tried to establish the first Black-owned airline, sold Beechcraft civilian planes, and was chief pilot for an airline in Colombia, South America. He started Lake Airways Charter Service which operated until 1959 when he was obliged to take over the family business.

He was survived by his wife and son. President Barack Obama awarded a Congressional Gold Medal replica to Fred III. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[gadgetsforusesblog]

Air Force Agniveer 02/2025 Online Form

Air Force Airmen Group Y Recruitment 2024 SarkariExam.com Air Force Agniveer 02/2025 Online Form : As per the latest updates from the sources, Indian Airforce has released the official notification for the Airforce Agniveers Recruitment 2024 on 08 July 2024. ��� Continue reading the post Air Force Agniveer 02/2025 Online Form appeared first on SarkariResult,

[sarkarijobsinfo]

Indian Air Force Airmen (Group Y) Medical Assistant Recruitment 2024 Notification OUT & Apply Online https://www.sarkarijobsinfo.in/indian-air-force-airmen-group-y-medical-assistant-recruitment-2024/

[tva2022]

Air Force Airmen Group Y Recruitment 2024

Air Force Airmen Group Y Recruitment 2024: The Indian Air force has released the latest notification for Posts of Airmen in the Group Y Medical Assistant recruitment 2024. Air Force Airmen Group Y Notification is given for age limit, eligibility, selection process, salary and applicant should read the official recruitment notification carefully. The Air Force Airmen (Medical Assistant) Non-Technical Intake Group Y Recruitment Rally 01/2025 will be held from 3 July to 12 July at Chandigarh. The eligible candidates can apply online for the Group Y Medical Assistant Vacancy 2024 from the website starting from 22 May 2024. Read More

[usafphantom2]

World War Two: When 600 US planes crashed in Himalayas

2 days ago

View of a US Army Air Transport Command cargo plane as it flies over the snow-capped, towering mountains of the Himalayas, along the borders of India, China, and Burma, January 1945, February 20, 1945.Getty Images

Pilots called the flight route "The Hump" - a nod to the treacherous heights of the eastern Himalayas

A newly opened museum in India houses the remains of American planes that crashed in the Himalayas during World War Two. The BBC's Soutik Biswas recounts an audaciously risky aerial operation that took place when the global war arrived in India.

Since 2009, Indian and American teams have scoured the mountains in India's north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, looking for the wreckage and remains of lost crews of hundreds of planes that crashed here over 80 years ago.

Some 600 American transport planes are estimated to have crashed in the remote region, killing at least 1,500 airmen and passengers during a remarkable and often-forgotten 42-month-long World War Two military operation in India. Among the casualties were American and Chinese pilots, radio operators and soldiers.

Has India's contribution to WW2 been ignored?

The operation sustained a vital air transport route from the Indian states of Assam and Bengal to support Chinese forces in Kunming and Chungking (now called Chongqing).

The war between Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and the Allies (France, Great Britain, the US, the Soviet Union, China) had reached the north-eastern part of British-ruled India. The air corridor became a lifeline following the Japanese advance to India's borders, which effectively closed the land route to China through northern Myanmar (then known as Burma).

The US military operation, initiated in April 1942, successfully transported 650,000 tonnes of war supplies across the route - an achievement that significantly bolstered the Allied victory.

This operation sustained a vital air transport route from India to support Chinese forces in Kunming and Chunking

Pilots dubbed the perilous flight route "The Hump", a nod to the treacherous heights of the eastern Himalayas, primarily in today's Arunachal Pradesh, that they had to navigate.

Over the past 14 years Indo-American teams comprising mountaineers, students, medics, forensic archaeologists and rescue experts have ploughed through dense tropical jungles and scaled altitudes reaching 15,000ft (4,572m) in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar and China. They have included members of the US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the US agency that deals with soldiers missing in action.

The forgotten Indian soldiers of Dunkirk

With help from local tribespeople their month-long expeditions have reached crash sites, locating at least 20 planes and the remains of several missing-in-action airmen.

It is a challenging job - a six-day trek, preceded by a two-day road journey, led to the discovery of a single crash site. One mission was stranded in the mountains for three weeks after it was hit by a freak snowstorm.

"From flat alluvial plains to the mountains, it's a challenging terrain. Weather can be an issue and we have usually only the late fall and early winter to work in," says William Belcher, a forensic anthropologist involved in the expeditions.

A machine gun, pieces of debris, a camera: some of the recovered artefacts at the newly opened museum

Discoveries abound: oxygen tanks, machine guns, fuselage sections. Skulls, bones, shoes and watches have been found in the debris and DNA samples taken to identify the dead. A missing airman's initialled bracelet, a poignant relic, exchanged hands from a villager who recovered it in the wreckage. Some crash sites have been scavenged by local villagers over the years and the aluminium remains sold as scrap.

These and other artefacts and narratives related to these doomed planes now have a home in the newly opened The Hump Museum in Pasighat, a scenic town in Arunachal Pradesh nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, inaugurated the collection on 29 November, saying, "This is not just a gift to Arunachal Pradesh or the impacted families, but a gift to India and the world." Oken Tayeng, director of the museum, added: "This is also a recognition of all locals of Arunachal Pradesh who were and are still an integral part of this mission of respecting the memory of others".

The museum starkly highlights the dangers of flying this route. In his vivid memoirs of the operation, Maj Gen William H Tunner, a US Air Force pilot, remembers navigating his C-46 cargo plane over villages on steep slopes, broad valleys, deep gorges, narrow streams and dark brown rivers.

Wreckage of many planes has been found in the mountains in recent years

The flights, often navigated by young and freshly trained pilots, were turbulent. The weather on The Hump, according to Tunner, changed "from minute to minute, from mile to mile": one end was set in the low, steamy jungles of India; the other in the mile-high plateau of western China.

Heavily loaded transport planes, caught in a downdraft, might quickly descend 5,000ft, then swiftly rise at a similar speed. Tunner writes about a plane flipping onto its back after encountering a downdraft at 25,000ft.

Spring thunderstorms, with howling winds, sleet, and hail, posed the greatest challenge for controlling planes with rudimentary navigation tools. Theodore White, a journalist with Life magazine who flew the route five times for a story, wrote that the pilot of one plane carrying Chinese soldiers with no parachutes decided to crash-land after his plane got iced up.

The co-pilot and the radio operator managed to bail out and land on a "great tropical tree and wandered for 15 days before friendly natives found them". Local communities in remote villages often rescued and nursed wounded survivors of the crashes back to health. (It was later learnt that the plane had landed safely and no lives had been lost.)

Does Nolan's Dunkirk ignore the role of the Indian army?

Not surprisingly, the radio was filled with mayday calls. Planes were blown so far off course they crashed into mountains pilots did not even know were within 50 miles, Tunner remembered. One storm alone crashed nine planes, killing 27 crew and passengers. "In these clouds, over the entire route, turbulence would build up of a severity greater than I have seen anywhere in the world, before or since," he wrote.

Parents of missing airmen held out the hope that their children were still alive. "Where is my son? I'd love the world to know/Has his mission filled and left the earth below?/Is he up there in that fair land, drinking at the fountains, or is he still a wanderer in India's jungles and mountains?" wondered Pearl Dunaway, the mother of a missing airman, Joseph Dunaway, in a poem in 1945.

The China-bound US transport planes took off from airbases in India's Assam

The missing airmen are now the stuff of legend. "These Hump men fight the Japanese, the jungle, the mountains and the monsoons all day and all night, every day and every night the year round. The only world they know is planes. They never stop hearing them, flying them, patching them, cursing them. Yet they never get tired of watching the planes go out to China," recounted White.

The operation was indeed a daredevil feat of aerial logistics following the global war that reached India's doorstep. "The hills and people of Arunachal Pradesh were drawn into the drama, heroism and tragedies of the World War Two by the Hump operation," says Mr Tayeng. It's a story few know.

[secretconverter]

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced an exciting opportunity for young, aspiring individuals to join as Airmen in the Group Y Medical Assistant Trade. This article aims to provide comprehensive information regarding the recruitment process. Read More

[karnidefenceacademy]

Afcat Coaching in Jaipur

Indian air force invites applications to join as airmen in Group 'X' trades and Group 'Y' trades twice a year. karni defence academy provides best afcat coaching in jaipur you can improve your consistency and regularity with us.

[networkthoughts]

Weekend Musings: Why keep known things a secret?

Last week saw two NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) being published. One for Mumbai, published on Jan 08 and for Delhi on Jan 09. Delhi is India’s largest and busiest airport, while Mumbai is second busiest. The NOTAM at Mumbai is for closure of the airport for an hour daily on Jan 12,13 and 14, between 1200 hrs and 1300hrs local time for a display by the Indian Air Force at marine drive. The NOTAM at…

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"SAVE THREE FLIERS, PLANE FROM NORTHERN MUSKEG," Toronto Star. May 14, 1943. Page 2. ---- Indians Made 150 Trips to Salvage Machine Forced Down on Lake ---- BRIDGE OF TREES ---- "Our first consideration was to save the lives of the men, and then, If possible, salvage the valuable parts of the plane." Hon, Norman Hipel said today. He was describing the rescue of three R.C.A.F. men and the salvage of their Avro Anson bomber from the muskeg of northwestern Ontario by his staff of the provincial air service.

The airmen, lost during a flight from Nakina to Armstrong, made an emergency landing on one of the countless lakes which dot the northwestern section of the province. They were there for three days before being found by Pilot A. C. MacMillan and Observer C. Pike.

Their rescue and the salvaging of the plane called for all the ingenuity at the command of the air service personnel at Geraldton. W. U. Fiskar, acting district forester, supervised the operations.

"The men were pretty hungry when we got to them," he reported. "One of the crew had attempted to get out but sank out of sight when he stepped from the wing and was rescued with difficulty by his companions.

"MacMillan and Pike, who had landed on a lake a mile away from the spot where the big bomber was bogged down, made their way to where the crew had reached shore and fed them. Then they took them aboard the forestry plane."

At first R.C.A.F. officials believed it would be impossible to salvage the plane because of the "bottomless" muskeg and the inaccessibility of the spot.

A 200-foot spruce carpet was laid from the store. This carpet consisted of small trees and limbs to form a foundation and then bigger saplings for a surface. It was strong enough to bear a ton weight or more."

"There was very little water in the lake," Fiskar continued. "Not enough to row a boat but to attempt to walk on the muck and vegetation meant certain death."

After the parts were dismantled the Indians carried them to the forestry plane, a mile away. The Indians made some 150 trips. Image caption:

DAMAGED AND SUNK deep in the muskeg of Northern Ontario, this R.C.A.F. plane was found by a searching plane of the Ontario Air Service. It had been. missing three days. Its crew of three was rescued.

A SALVAGE JOB followed the rescue. With the aid of a winch and cable flown from Geraldton, the plane was drawn ashore and stripped of $50,000 worth of equipment. Indians helped, carrying salvaged parts on "stretchers" over the trail to planes landed as near as possible.