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	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\|name=Mehar Singh		\|name=Mehar Singh

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox military person
|name=Mehar Singh
|honorific_prefix= [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]]
|honorific_suffix= [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]], [[Distinguished Service Order|DSO]]
|birth_date={{birth date|df=yes |1915|03|20}}
|birth_place=[[Faisalabad|Lyallpur]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]], [[British India]]
|death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1952|3|11|1915|3|20}}
|death_place = [[Delhi]], [[India]]
|image= File:Air Cmde Mehar Singh.jpg
|nickname=Mehar Baba
|allegiance={{flag|British India}} (1936-1947) {{flag|India}} (from 1947)
|branch= {{air force|British India}} (1936-1947) {{air force|India}} (1947-1952)
|serviceyears = 1936 – 1948
|rank = [[File:India-AirForce-OF-6-collected.svg|20px]] [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]]
|servicenumber = 
|unit = [[No. 1 Squadron IAF]]
|commands = {{plainlist|
*No 1 Operational Group
*[[No. 6 Squadron IAF]]
*[[No. 3 Squadron IAF]]
}}
|battles_label =
|battles = [[World War II]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]
|awards=[[File:Maha_Vir_Chakra_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Maha Vir Chakra]] [[File:Dso-ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Distinguished Service Order]]
}}

[[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] '''Mehar Singh''', [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]], [[Distinguished Service Order|DSO]], (20 March 1915 – 11 March 1952) was a [[fighter pilot]] in the [[Indian Air Force]]. He was affectionately known as ''''Mehar Baba'''', a sobriquet coined by [[Aspy Engineer]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/personalities/military/sikhiniaf.html |title=Sikhs in Indian Air force |access-date=22 October 2014 |archive-date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227223242/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/personalities/military/sikhiniaf.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=296# |title=Legends Of Indian Air Force |access-date=2014-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024173353/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=296# |archive-date=2014-10-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Considered a Legend of the IAF, he last served as the [[Air Officer Commanding]] No. 1 Operational Group.<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING) |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-06-09_275.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061700/http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-06-09_275.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Mehar Singh was born on 20 March 1915 at Lyallpur (now [[Faisalabad]] in [[Pakistan]]). He was selected for the [[Royal Air Force College Cranwell]] (RAFC), [[England]] in 1933 while he was in the final year of [[Bachelor of Science]] and joined in 1934. He performed exceedingly well at Cranwell, which impressed college authorities.

Air Vice Marshall H. M. Grave, commandant, RAFC wrote of Singh: {{cquote|Keen, cheerful, hardworking and popular. His work compares favourably with that of English cadets. A creditable effort! An exceptionally good pilot, keen on games and has represented the college at hockey of which he is an excellent player.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://saisaonline.org/uncategorized/beyond-the-last-blue-mountain/# |title=Beyond The Last Blue Mountain |access-date=2014-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326023456/http://saisaonline.org/uncategorized/beyond-the-last-blue-mountain/# |archive-date=2015-03-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}

==Military career==
===Early career===
Singh was commissioned as a [[pilot officer]] in August 1936 and posted to [[No. 1 Squadron IAF|No. 1 Squadron]], then the only squadron in [[RAF India]]. It was raised on 1 April 1933 at [[Karachi]] with four [[Westland Wapiti]] aircraft. The Indian element consisted of six officers and nine technicians then known as ''Hawai Sepoys''. Singh was amongst the first six pioneering officers who joined the squadron. [[Flight Lieutenant]] [[Cecil Bouchier|C. A. Bouchier]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]], an officer of the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) was the first [[commanding officer]] of the squadron.

{{Quote box|width=300px|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|align=right|quote="I was particularly impressed with the conduct of the Squadron led by a young Sikh Squadron Leader (Mehar Singh). They were a happy and efficient unit."|source=<ref>{{cite book |last1=Slim |first1=Field-Marshal Viscount William |title=Defeat into victory : battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945 ; with a new introduction by David W. Hogan Jr. |isbn=978-0815410225 |page=234 |edition=1stition}}</ref>|title=General [[William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim|William Slim]] about Mehar Singh and his [[No. 6 Squadron IAF|squadron]] |title_fnt = Arial |tstyle = font size="25";}}

Under the leadership of Singh, [[No. 6 Squadron IAF]] with its [[Hawker Hurricane]] aircraft, came to be known as 'The Eyes of the [[Fourteenth Army (United Kingdom)|14th Army]]', which was commanded by General [[William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim|William Slim]].

On 14 May 1947, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] and was appointed Group Captain in charge of Flying Training at Air headquarters. He was promoted to the rank along with Wing Commander [[Narendra (IAF officer)|Narendra]].<ref name="Gp Capt">{{cite web |title=TWO NEW GROUP CAPTAINS FOR RIAF |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-05-15_235.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref>

===Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948===
After the [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|accession of Jammu and Kashmir]] on 26 October 1947, the first [[Indian Army]] units were airlifted to [[Srinagar]], starting with the 1st battalion [[Sikh Regiment]] (1 Sikh) led by [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Dewan Ranjit Rai]]. An entire infantry brigade was to be airlifted. Mehar Singh was the first pilot to land at [[Srinagar]] and as the AOC No. 1 Operational Group, he inducted the troops in just five days. [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|Lord Mountbatten]] lauded this feat, saying that he didn't know of an instance of an airlift being effected in such a short time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Service |first1=Tribune News |title=A giant leap that saved Srinagar in 1947 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/a-giant-leap-that-saved-srinagar-in-1947-10123 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213234648/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/a-giant-leap-that-saved-srinagar-in-1947-10123 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Singh then established an air bridge to Poonch. He personally piloted the first aircraft and landed at [[Poonch Airport]]. The airstrip was surrounded by streams on three sides and has a steep approach. Against heavy odds, he landed a [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Douglas]] with three tons of load against normal rated load of one ton. Moreover, he did so without any landing aids, the airstrip being lit with the help of oil lamps.<ref>{{cite web |title=1948 OPS {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/1948-ops |website=indianairforce.nic.in |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513063756/https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/1948-ops |url-status=live }}</ref>

Singh was also the first pilot to land in [[Leh]] in [[Ladakh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU(DEFENCE WING) |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-06-07_270.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061023/http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-06-07_270.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Along with [[Major General]] [[Kodandera Subayya Thimayya|K S Thimayya]] as passenger, led a flight of Six Dakotas of [[No. 12 Squadron IAF]] across the [[Himalayas]], towering up to 24000 feet negotiating the [[Zoji La]] and [[Fotu La]] passes and landed at an improvised sandy airstrip next to the [[Indus river]] at a height of 11540 feet. Singh did this without de-icing equipment, cabin pressurisation or route maps.<ref>{{cite web |title=1948 OPS {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/1948-ops |website=indianairforce.nic.in |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513063756/https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/1948-ops |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Awards and decorations==
===Distinguished Service Order===
In March 1944, then Acting Squadron Leader Mehar Singh was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Order]] (DSO), the only officer of the Indian Air Force to have won this award.

The citation of the DSO reads as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=the London Gazette |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36443/supplement/1443 |website=thegazette.co.uk |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=8 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208024314/https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36443/supplement/1443 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Quotation|{{center|'''CITATION''' 
'''ACTING SQUADRON LEADER MEHAR SINGH''' 
'''(Ind. 1559), Indian Air Force, No. 6 (I.A.F.) Squadron'''}}
This officer has completed a very large number of operations, and has displayed great skill, courage and determination. He is a most inspiring leader, whose example has been reflected in the fine fighting spirit of the squadron. This officer has rendered most valuable service.|sign=|source=}}
===Maha Vir Chakra===
On 26 January 1950, when the [[Awards and decorations of the Indian Armed Forces]] were established, Air Commodore Mehar Singh was awarded the second-highest war-time military decoration, the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] (MVC).

The citation of the MVC reads as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=MAHA VIR CHAKRA FOR AIR COMMODORE MEHAR SINGH |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1950-JAN-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1950-02-01_051.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061151/http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1950-JAN-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1950-02-01_051.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AIR CMDE MEHAR SINGH {{!}} Gallantry Awards |url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/air-cmde-mehar-singh |website=gallantryawards.gov.in |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711102441/http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/air-cmde-mehar-singh |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Quotation|{{center|'''CITATION''' 
'''AIR COMMODORE MEHAR SINGH, DSO ''' 
'''(1559), GD(P)'''}}
Throughout his tenure as AOC No. 1 Group controlling operations in Jammu & Kashmir, Air Commodore Mehar Singh displayed great devotion to duty at personal risks and set an example to those serving under him. He was the first pilot to land an aircraft at the emergency landing ground at Poonch and at Leh. These tasks were not part of his duty but in view of the fact that these were hazardous tasks he was first to carry them out to give confidence to his junior pilots.|sign=|source=}}

== Resignation and life after IAF ==
Singh resigned from the IAF on 27 September 1948, over differences with some senior officers on service matters, instead of getting involved in controversy.<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING) |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-09-25_233.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061310/http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-09-25_233.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
After his retirement, Singh served as the personal adviser to the [[Maharaja of Patiala]] [[Yadavindra Singh]], the [[Rajpramukh]] of [[Patiala and East Punjab States Union]] (PEPSU).<ref>{{cite web |title=Remembering the air fighter who knew no fear. |url=https://ehmerapunjab.tumblr.com/post/53353813348/remembering-the-air-fighter-who-knew-no-fear |website=Eh Mera Punjab |language=en |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061308/https://ehmerapunjab.tumblr.com/post/53353813348/remembering-the-air-fighter-who-knew-no-fear |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Death ==
On the night of 16 March 1952, Singh was flying from Jammu to New Delhi and was caught in a storm, killing him.<ref name=remembering>{{Cite web |url=http://ehmerapunjab.tumblr.com/post/53353813348/remembering-the-air-fighter-who-knew-no-fear |title=Remembering the air fighter who knew no fear |access-date=22 October 2014 |archive-date=2 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102105029/http://ehmerapunjab.tumblr.com/post/53353813348/remembering-the-air-fighter-who-knew-no-fear |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Legacy==
Singh was considered to be a legendary pilot and a flying prodigy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air CMDE Mehar Singh {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/air-cmde-mehar-singh |website=indianairforce.nic.in |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=27 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827130037/http://indianairforce.nic.in/content/air-cmde-mehar-singh |url-status=live }}</ref> He was the first pilot to land in [[Srinagar]], [[Poonch Airport|Poonch]], [[Leh]] and [[Daulat Beg Oldi]]. In a relatively short career of 12 years, he rose to the rank of air commodore and was decorated with two war-time gallantry awards.

In 2018, the Indian Air Force constituted the ''Meher Baba Prize'' in the honour of Air Commodore Mehar Singh for drones development.<ref>{{cite web |title=IAF announces 'Mehar Baba Prize' for drones development |url=http://www.uniindia.com/iaf-announces-mehar-baba-prize-for-drones-development/india/news/1380330.html |website=uniindia.com |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=17 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917065911/http://www.uniindia.com/iaf-announces-mehar-baba-prize-for-drones-development/india/news/1380330.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Legends/312-Mehar-Singh.html |title=Air Commodore Mehar Singh |access-date=22 October 2014 |archive-date=10 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010184134/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Legends/312-Mehar-Singh.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
|-
{{s-bef| before = [[Aspy Engineer]]}}
{{s-ttl| title = Commanding Officer, [[PAF Base Kohat|RAF Station Kohat]]| years = 1946–1947}}
{{s-aft| after = [[Arjan Singh]]}}
|-
{{s-new| reason = First Holder}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Air Officer Commanding]] [[Western Air Command|No. 1 Operational Group]]| years = 1947–1948}}
{{s-aft| after = [[Aspy Engineer]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Mehar}}
[[Category:1915 births]]
[[Category:1952 deaths]]
[[Category:Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in India]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force officers]]
[[Category:People from Faisalabad]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1952]]
[[Category:Indian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Maha Vir Chakra]]

Mehar Singh (IAF officer) - Revision history

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