My Friend Is A Legend

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 pm

When I was growing up here in Salem we had a friend named Carl who worked for the State like my dad. He was a former pilot in the IAF and flew Gnats, Hunters and MIG-21s. He eventually moved back to India and we lost contact. Recently I've learned Carl is one of the most highly decorated and legendary pilots in the IAF commanding 3 squadrons inc their acrobatic team and flew combat in both wars with Pakistan downing a F-104 and a F-86. I hope to reconnect with Carl in the near future. I mean with Group Captain Bharat Carl Singh IAF ret.

daveymac82c · **Posted:** Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:51 pm

That's really exciting news to learn. I wish you good luck in getting back in contact with him.

On the same note, I work at a grocery story with a really wonderful gentleman who was a very highly respected fighter pilot with the Iranian Air Force. He fought in the Iran-Iraq war and was taken prisoner.

From what I hear he was actually somewhat of a war hero in Iran.

-David

KarenG · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:26 pm

The very best of luck Jack! As I have learned over the years, the world has become a smaller place with the advancements in technology!

Karen

Mgawa · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:15 pm

Amazing!!! What other to say

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:41 pm

BTW he's standing 7th from right in his flying gear

muddyboots · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:09 pm

Erm...that makes him middle row third in? Slightly high forehead? Why are some in fligh gear and some not? Do the ones in flight suits have kills?

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:16 pm

Yes and I don't know. My guess would be their either on alert or secheduled for a mission. This is 20 Squadron "Lightning Bolts" who were also the official IAF jet display team.
During the 1971 war when this was taken they................
Four Hunters of the IAF destroyed dozens of Pakistani T-59 and Sherman tanks in the Battle of Longewala. The Hunters destroyed nearly 100 different vehicles of the Pakistan Army in the same battle.
Hunters were also involved in strategic bombing, attacking oil installations at Karachi on 4 December 1971, and the Mangla Dam the next day, crippling its Hydel power project. A week later, four Hunters from Jaisalmer carried out rocket attacks on the Sui gas plant in Northern Sindh, setting the plant on fire.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:25 pm

This is interesting also.............
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1950s/Bharat-Aero.html

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:29 pm

Neat photo, Jack.

As I was studying the picture and story it dawned on me that a friend's father may have been on the opposite side during Carl's service. My buddy's dad was a pilot in the Pakistani Air Force for many years and most likely flew combat missions against Carl and/or his mates. I haven't talked to my friend in a long time, but I'll look him up and try to get some more info on his dad's service.

Scott

aerovet · **Posted:** Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:03 am

why not send an E-mail to

http://www.warbirdsofindia.com/index2.html

which is the local version of our WIX.....

You never know!

Aerovet

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