Minoo Merwan Engineer - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 18:50, 8 October 2022
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2019}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\| honorific_prefix = [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]		\| honorific_prefix = [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]
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	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in [[Lahore#British\|Lahore]], [[Punjab Province (British India)\|Punjab Province]], [[British India]]<ref name=spsAviation/> to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the [[North Western Railway (British India)\|North Western Railway]],.<ref name=BharatBrothers/> His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer.<ref name=spsAviation>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=578\|title=Aspy Engineer (1912 - 2002) - SP's Aviation\|website=www.sps-aviation.com\|access-date=16 February ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC [Air Chiefs Since 1947]\|last=Pillaristetti\|first=Jagan\|date=6 February 2007\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206050217/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-02-06\|access-date=16 February ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref name=Sorabji2012>{{Cite journal\|last=Sorabji\|first=Rusi\|date=2012\|title=The First historical landmark in the annals of Aviation, both Civil or Military in the Sub-Continent, the Aga Khan Race 1930\|url=https://zoroastriansnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/aspy-engineer.pdf\|journal=Hamazor\|issue=2\|pages=47–53}}</ref><ref name=Sapru>{{cite book \|title=Combat lore : Indian Air Force 1930-1945 \|isbn=978-9383649259\|last1=Sapru\|first1=S.\|year=~~2022~~}}</ref> He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Aspy Engineer\|Aspy]], Jungoo and [[Rointon Engineer\|Ronnie]], also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=BharatBrothers>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html\|title=Brothers-in-Arms : The Flying Engineer Brothers\|last=Singh\|first=Farida\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>		Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in [[Lahore#British\|Lahore]], [[Punjab Province (British India)\|Punjab Province]], [[British India]]<ref name=spsAviation/> to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the [[North Western Railway (British India)\|North Western Railway]],.<ref name=BharatBrothers/> His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer.<ref name=spsAviation>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=578\|title=Aspy Engineer (1912 - 2002) - SP's Aviation\|website=www.sps-aviation.com\|access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC [Air Chiefs Since 1947]\|last=Pillaristetti\|first=Jagan\|date=6 February 2007\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206050217/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-02-06\|access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref><ref name=Sorabji2012>{{Cite journal\|last=Sorabji\|first=Rusi\|date=2012\|title=The First historical landmark in the annals of Aviation, both Civil or Military in the Sub-Continent, the Aga Khan Race 1930\|url=https://zoroastriansnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/aspy-engineer.pdf\|journal=Hamazor\|issue=2\|pages=47–53}}</ref><ref name=Sapru>{{cite book \|title=Combat lore : Indian Air Force 1930-1945 \|isbn=978-9383649259\|last1=Sapru\|first1=S.\|year=2014}}</ref> He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Aspy Engineer\|Aspy]], Jungoo and [[Rointon Engineer\|Ronnie]], also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=BharatBrothers>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html\|title=Brothers-in-Arms : The Flying Engineer Brothers\|last=Singh\|first=Farida\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>

	==Military career==		==Military career==
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	In March 1948, Engineer took command of [[Srinagar Air Force Station\|Air Force Station Srinagar]]. As Station Commander at Srinagar, he was responsible for all air force operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For this operation, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second-highest war-time gallantry award.<ref name="PIB Bio"/>		In March 1948, Engineer took command of [[Srinagar Air Force Station\|Air Force Station Srinagar]]. As Station Commander at Srinagar, he was responsible for all air force operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For this operation, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second-highest war-time gallantry award.<ref name="PIB Bio"/>

	The citation for the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] reads as follows:<ref name=Gallantry>{{Cite web\|url=http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/wg-cdr-minoo-merwan-engineer\|title=WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|access-date=18 February ~~2022~~}}</ref>		The citation for the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] reads as follows:<ref name=Gallantry>{{Cite web\|url=http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/wg-cdr-minoo-merwan-engineer\|title=WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref>
	{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 2Pres/50, 26-1-50		{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 2Pres/50, 26-1-50
	Operation: 1948		Operation: 1948

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← Older revision		Revision as of 18:50, 8 October 2022
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July ~~2019~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2022}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\| honorific_prefix = [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]		\| honorific_prefix = [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]
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	\| other_name =		\| other_name =
	\| nickname =		\| nickname =
	\| birth_date = ~~1 Dec 1921~~		\| birth_date = 15 December 1912
	\| birth_place =		\| birth_place =
	\| death_date = 1997		\| death_date = 1997
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	\| placeofburial =		\| placeofburial =
	\| placeofburial_coordinates =		\| placeofburial_coordinates =
	\| allegiance = {{flag\|British India}} (~~1940-1947~~)<br/>{{flag\|India}} (~~1947-1973~~)		\| allegiance = {{flag\|British India}} (1940–1947)<br/>{{flag\|India}} (1947–1973)
	\| branch = {{air force\|~~United Kingdom~~}}<br>{{air force\|India}}		\| branch = {{air force\|British India}}<br/>{{air force\|India}}
	\| serviceyears = ~~1940-1973~~		\| serviceyears = 1940–1973
	\| serviceyears_label =		\| serviceyears_label =
	\| rank = [[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png\|15px]] [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]		\| rank = [[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png\|15px]] [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]]
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	}}		}}

	[[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] '''Minoo Merwan Engineer''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal\|PVSM]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)\|DFC]] (~~1921–1997~~) was a former [[Air Officer]] in the [[Indian Air Force]]. He is one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Air Force, with the second-highest civil decoration - the [[Padma Bhushan]], two gallantry awards - the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] and the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)\|Distinguished Flying Cross]], and the highest peace-time distinguished service award - the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].		[[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] '''Minoo Merwan Engineer''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal\|PVSM]], [[Maha Vir Chakra\|MVC]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)\|DFC]] (15 December 1912 – 1997) was a former [[Air Officer]] in the [[Indian Air Force]]. He is one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Air Force, with the second-highest civil decoration - the [[Padma Bhushan]], two gallantry awards - the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] and the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)\|Distinguished Flying Cross]], and the highest peace-time distinguished service award - the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].

	His elder brother, [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] [[Aspy Engineer]] served as the 4th [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)\|Chief of the Air Staff]].		His elder brother, [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] [[Aspy Engineer]] served as the 4th [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)\|Chief of the Air Staff]].

	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in [[Lahore#British\|Lahore]], [[British India]]<ref name=spsAviation/> to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the [[North Western Railway (British India)\|North Western Railway]],.<ref name=BharatBrothers/> His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer.<ref name=spsAviation>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=578\|title=Aspy Engineer (1912 - 2002) - SP's Aviation\|website=www.sps-aviation.com\|access-date=16 February ~~2019~~}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC [Air Chiefs Since 1947]\|last=Pillaristetti\|first=Jagan\|date=6 February 2007\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206050217/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-02-06\|access-date=16 February ~~2019~~}}</ref><ref name=Sorabji2012>{{Cite journal\|last=Sorabji\|first=Rusi\|date=2012\|title=The First historical landmark in the annals of Aviation, both Civil or Military in the Sub-Continent, the Aga Khan Race 1930\|url=https://zoroastriansnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/aspy-engineer.pdf\|journal=Hamazor\|issue=2\|pages=47–53}}</ref><ref name=Sapru>{{cite book \|title=Combat lore : Indian Air Force 1930-1945 \|isbn=978-9383649259\|last1=Sapru\|first1=S.\|year=~~2014~~}}</ref> He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Aspy Engineer\|Aspy]], Jungoo and [[Rointon Engineer\|Ronnie]], also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=BharatBrothers>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html\|title=Brothers-in-Arms : The Flying Engineer Brothers\|last=Singh\|first=Farida\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>		Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in [[Lahore#British\|Lahore]], [[Punjab Province (British India)\|Punjab Province]], [[British India]]<ref name=spsAviation/> to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the [[North Western Railway (British India)\|North Western Railway]],.<ref name=BharatBrothers/> His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer.<ref name=spsAviation>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=578\|title=Aspy Engineer (1912 - 2002) - SP's Aviation\|website=www.sps-aviation.com\|access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC [Air Chiefs Since 1947]\|last=Pillaristetti\|first=Jagan\|date=6 February 2007\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206050217/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2007-02-06\|access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=Sorabji2012>{{Cite journal\|last=Sorabji\|first=Rusi\|date=2012\|title=The First historical landmark in the annals of Aviation, both Civil or Military in the Sub-Continent, the Aga Khan Race 1930\|url=https://zoroastriansnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/aspy-engineer.pdf\|journal=Hamazor\|issue=2\|pages=47–53}}</ref><ref name=Sapru>{{cite book \|title=Combat lore : Indian Air Force 1930-1945 \|isbn=978-9383649259\|last1=Sapru\|first1=S.\|year=2022}}</ref> He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Aspy Engineer\|Aspy]], Jungoo and [[Rointon Engineer\|Ronnie]], also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=BharatBrothers>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html\|title=Brothers-in-Arms : The Flying Engineer Brothers\|last=Singh\|first=Farida\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>

	==Military career==		==Military career==
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	In March 1948, Engineer took command of [[Srinagar Air Force Station\|Air Force Station Srinagar]]. As Station Commander at Srinagar, he was responsible for all air force operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For this operation, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second-highest war-time gallantry award.<ref name="PIB Bio"/>		In March 1948, Engineer took command of [[Srinagar Air Force Station\|Air Force Station Srinagar]]. As Station Commander at Srinagar, he was responsible for all air force operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For this operation, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second-highest war-time gallantry award.<ref name="PIB Bio"/>

	The citation for the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] reads as follows:<ref name=Gallantry>{{Cite web\|url=http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/wg-cdr-minoo-merwan-engineer\|title=WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|access-date=18 February ~~2019~~}}</ref>		The citation for the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] reads as follows:<ref name=Gallantry>{{Cite web\|url=http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/wg-cdr-minoo-merwan-engineer\|title=WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|access-date=18 February 2022}}</ref>
	{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 2Pres/50, 26-1-50		{{Quotation\|Gazette Notification: 2Pres/50, 26-1-50
	Operation: 1948		Operation: 1948
	Effective Date of Award: 06 November 1948		Effective Date of Award: 06 November 1948

	<center>'''CITATION'''<br>		{{center\|'''CITATION'''<br>
	'''WING COMMANDER MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER, DFC'''<br>		'''WING COMMANDER MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER, DFC'''<br>
	''' (1614) GD(P)'''~~</center>~~		''' (1614) GD(P)'''}}

	Wing Commander Engineer was in charge of the Kashmir operations for nearly a year. Under his able guidance and leadership the enemy has been hit hard and effectively on a number occasions. e.g. KISHEN GANGA BRIDGE, SKARDU AND GILGIT besides the normal close support sorties. The most effective support by the IAF to our land forces in the capture of GURAIS was largely attributable to the planning and drive shown by this officer in personally directing the air operations. Throughout he has set a fine example of leadership.\|sign=\|source=}}		Wing Commander Engineer was in charge of the Kashmir operations for nearly a year. Under his able guidance and leadership the enemy has been hit hard and effectively on a number occasions. e.g. KISHEN GANGA BRIDGE, SKARDU AND GILGIT besides the normal close support sorties. The most effective support by the IAF to our land forces in the capture of GURAIS was largely attributable to the planning and drive shown by this officer in personally directing the air operations. Throughout he has set a fine example of leadership.\|sign=\|source=}}
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	During the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962, he was appointed [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC) of the No. 1 Operational Group based at [[Tezpur]]. For his services in the Eastern sector, he was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=FORTY ONE AWARDS FOR AIR FORCE PERSONNEL \|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1964-JAN-JUNE-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1964-01-24_064.pdf \|website=pibarchive.nic.in \|date=24 January 1964}}</ref>		During the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962, he was appointed [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC) of the No. 1 Operational Group based at [[Tezpur]]. For his services in the Eastern sector, he was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].<ref>{{cite web \|title=FORTY ONE AWARDS FOR AIR FORCE PERSONNEL \|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1964-JAN-JUNE-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1964-01-24_064.pdf \|website=pibarchive.nic.in \|date=24 January 1964}}</ref>

	On 5 August 1963, Engineer was promoted to the rank of [[Air vice marshal (India)\|Air Vice Marshal]] and appointed [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)\|Eastern Air Command]]. After a little over an year, he moved to Air HQ in October 1964 as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS).<ref name="PIB Bio"/> On 1 March 1968, the appointment of DCAS was upgraded to the rank of [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] and Engineer was promoted to the rank.<ref>{{cite web \|title=UPGRADATIONS IN DEFENCE SERVICES APPOINTMENTS \|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-01_081.pdf \|website=archive.pib.gov.in \|date=1 March 1968}}</ref>		On 5 August 1963, Engineer was promoted to the rank of [[Air vice marshal (India)\|Air Vice Marshal]] and appointed [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)\|Eastern Air Command]]. After a little over an year, he moved to Air HQ in October 1964 as [[Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (India)\|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff]] (DCAS).<ref name="PIB Bio"/> On 1 March 1968, the appointment of DCAS was upgraded to the rank of [[Air Marshal (India)\|Air Marshal]] and Engineer was promoted to the rank.<ref>{{cite web \|title=UPGRADATIONS IN DEFENCE SERVICES APPOINTMENTS \|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-01_081.pdf \|website=archive.pib.gov.in \|date=1 March 1968}}</ref>

	====Indo-Pakistani War of 1971====		====Indo-Pakistani War of 1971====
	At the time of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], he was [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] of [[Western Air Command]]. For his part in the war, Engineer was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] for his leadership and services.<ref>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm News Article in Depth] {{webarchive \|url=https://~~www~~.~~webcitation~~.org/~~69aZfw5vj?url=~~http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm \|date=~~August 1,~~ 2012 }}</ref>		At the time of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], he was [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] of [[Western Air Command]]. For his part in the war, Engineer was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] for his leadership and services.<ref>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm News Article in Depth] {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523043221/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm \|date=23 May 2012 }}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
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	{{s-ttl\|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Western Air Command]] \|years=1969–1973}}		{{s-ttl\|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Western Air Command]] \|years=1969–1973}}
	{{s-aft\|after=[[Hrushikesh Moolgavkar]]}}		{{s-aft\|after=[[Hrushikesh Moolgavkar]]}}
	{{s-bef\|before=[[Ramaswamy Rajaram]]}}		{{s-bef\|rows=2\|before=[[Ramaswamy Rajaram]]}}
			{{s-ttl\| title = [[Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (India)\|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff]]\| years = 1964–1969}}
			{{s-aft\| after = [[Om Prakash Mehra]]}}
	{{s-ttl\|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)\|Eastern Air Command]] \|years=1963–1964}}		{{s-ttl\|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)\|Eastern Air Command]] \|years=1963–1964}}
	{{s-aft\|after=Y V Malse}}		{{s-aft\|after=Y V Malse}}
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	[[Category:Indian Air Force officers]]		[[Category:Indian Air Force officers]]
	[[Category:Indian military personnel of World War II]]		[[Category:Indian military personnel of World War II]]
			[[Category:Indian recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)]]

>BattyBot: /* top */Fixed date(s) per MOS:DATEFORMAT and general fixes

2021-10-07T14:49:32Z

top: Fixed date(s) per MOS:DATEFORMAT and general fixes

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]]
| name = M M Engineer
| honorific_suffix = [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]]
| image =
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| birth_name = Minoo Merwan Engineer
| other_name =
| nickname =
| birth_date = 1 Dec 1921
| birth_place =
| death_date = 1997
| death_place =
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial =
| placeofburial_coordinates =
| allegiance = {{flag|British India}} (1940-1947) {{flag|India}} (1947-1973)
| branch = {{air force|United Kingdom}} {{air force|India}}
| serviceyears = 1940-1973
| serviceyears_label =
| rank = [[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png|15px]] [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]]
| rank_label =
| servicenumber = 1614 F(P)
| unit =
| commands = [[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] [[Lohegaon Air Force Station|Air Force Station Lohegaon]] [[Srinagar Air Force Station|Air Force Station Srinagar]] [[No. 4 Squadron IAF|No.4 Squadron]] [[No. 8 Squadron IAF|No. 8 Squadron]]
| battles_label =
| battles = [[Burma Campaign]] [[Arakan Campaign 1942–43]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
| awards = [[Padma Bhushan]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] [[Maha Vir Chakra]] [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]
| relations = [[Aspy Engineer]] (brother)
| laterwork =
| signature =
| signature_size =
| signature_alt =
| website =
| module =
}}

[[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] '''Minoo Merwan Engineer''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]], [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]] (1921–1997) was a former [[Air Officer]] in the [[Indian Air Force]]. He is one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Air Force, with the second-highest civil decoration - the [[Padma Bhushan]], two gallantry awards - the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] and the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]], and the highest peace-time distinguished service award - the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].

His elder brother, [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Aspy Engineer]] served as the 4th [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]].

==Early life==
Engineer was born Aspy Merwan Irani on 15 December 1912 in [[Lahore#British|Lahore]], [[British India]]<ref name=spsAviation/> to Meherwan Irani and Maneckbai. Meherwan was a Divisional Engineer for the [[North Western Railway (British India)|North Western Railway]],.<ref name=BharatBrothers/> His interest in mechanics led his friends to rename him Engineer.<ref name=spsAviation>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=578|title=Aspy Engineer (1912 - 2002) - SP's Aviation|website=www.sps-aviation.com|access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html|title=Air Marshal Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC [Air Chiefs Since 1947]|last=Pillaristetti|first=Jagan|date=6 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206050217/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Air-Chiefs/Chiefs-Air-5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-02-06|access-date=16 February 2019}}</ref><ref name=Sorabji2012>{{Cite journal|last=Sorabji|first=Rusi|date=2012|title=The First historical landmark in the annals of Aviation, both Civil or Military in the Sub-Continent, the Aga Khan Race 1930|url=https://zoroastriansnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/aspy-engineer.pdf|journal=Hamazor|issue=2|pages=47–53}}</ref><ref name=Sapru>{{cite book |title=Combat lore : Indian Air Force 1930-1945 |isbn=978-9383649259|last1=Sapru|first1=S.|year=2014}}</ref> He was the sixth amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Aspy Engineer|Aspy]], Jungoo and [[Rointon Engineer|Ronnie]], also joined the Indian Air Force, while another brother, Homi, joined the Indian Army. Aspy, Minoo and Ronnie were recipients of the DFC, a unique feat where three brothers were decorated with gallantry awards.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=BharatBrothers>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html|title=Brothers-in-Arms : The Flying Engineer Brothers|last=Singh|first=Farida|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-02-19}}</ref>

==Military career==
===Early career===
Engineer joined the [[Indian Air Force]] in 1940, being commissioned on 1 August. He was the third Engineer brother to join the Air Force, after his elder brothers [[Aspy Engineer|Aspy]] and Jehangir (Jangoo). During [[World War II]], he served in [[Burma]] as a part of [[No. 3 Squadron IAF]]. He was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]] for his part in the [[Arakan (disambiguation)|Arakan]] operations.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37291 |supp=y|page=4859|date=28 September 1945}}</ref> On 30 November 1945, Engineer was promoted to the acting rank of [[Squadron Leader]] and appointed [[commanding officer]] of [[No. 8 Squadron IAF]].<ref name="BR Service Record">{{cite web |title=Service Record for Air Marshal Minoo Merwan Engineer 1614 F(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1614 |website=Bharat Rakshak |language=en-gb}}</ref>

After the war, on 1 November 1946, he was appointed commanding officer of [[No. 4 Squadron IAF]]. The squadron relocated to Miko, Japan as part of the occupation forces. Engineer led the squadron in the relocation and operations in Japan.<ref name="PIB Bio">{{cite web |title=BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-01_084.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=1 March 1968}}</ref>

===Post-Independence===
In March 1948, Engineer took command of [[Srinagar Air Force Station|Air Force Station Srinagar]]. As Station Commander at Srinagar, he was responsible for all air force operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For this operation, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]], the second-highest war-time gallantry award.<ref name="PIB Bio"/>

The citation for the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] reads as follows:<ref name=Gallantry>{{Cite web|url=http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/wg-cdr-minoo-merwan-engineer|title=WG CDR MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER {{!}} Gallantry Awards|website=gallantryawards.gov.in|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref>
{{Quotation|Gazette Notification: 2Pres/50, 26-1-50
Operation: 1948
Effective Date of Award: 06 November 1948

<center>'''CITATION''' 
'''WING COMMANDER MINOO MERWAN ENGINEER, DFC''' 
''' (1614) GD(P)'''</center>

Wing Commander Engineer was in charge of the Kashmir operations for nearly a year. Under his able guidance and leadership the enemy has been hit hard and effectively on a number occasions. e.g. KISHEN GANGA BRIDGE, SKARDU AND GILGIT besides the normal close support sorties. The most effective support by the IAF to our land forces in the capture of GURAIS was largely attributable to the planning and drive shown by this officer in personally directing the air operations. Throughout he has set a fine example of leadership.|sign=|source=}}

After the war, in 1949, he was selected to attend the [[RAF Staff College, Andover]]. After completing the staff course, he returned to India and was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the [[Training Command (India)|Training Command]] in Bangalore. On 1 Oct 1954, he was appointed Station Commander of [[Lohegaon Air Force Station]] in Pune.<ref name="PIB Bio"/> He then commanded the newly formed 2 Tactical Air Support Group and 2 Tactical Air Centre at Mumbai and Pune. On 15 April 1959, he was appointed SASO of the [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]].<ref name="BR Service Record" />

During the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962, he was appointed [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC) of the No. 1 Operational Group based at [[Tezpur]]. For his services in the Eastern sector, he was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FORTY ONE AWARDS FOR AIR FORCE PERSONNEL |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1964-JAN-JUNE-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1964-01-24_064.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=24 January 1964}}</ref>

On 5 August 1963, Engineer was promoted to the rank of [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]] and appointed [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]]. After a little over an year, he moved to Air HQ in October 1964 as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS).<ref name="PIB Bio"/> On 1 March 1968, the appointment of DCAS was upgraded to the rank of [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] and Engineer was promoted to the rank.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPGRADATIONS IN DEFENCE SERVICES APPOINTMENTS |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1968-JAN-APR-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1968-03-01_081.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=1 March 1968}}</ref>

====Indo-Pakistani War of 1971====
At the time of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], he was [[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] of [[Western Air Command]]. For his part in the war, Engineer was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] for his leadership and services.<ref>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm News Article in Depth] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/69aZfw5vj?url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/1971/Dec03/Art03.htm |date=August 1, 2012 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Aspy Engineer]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=Shivdev Singh}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Western Air Command]] |years=1969–1973}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Hrushikesh Moolgavkar]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Ramaswamy Rajaram]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] |years=1963–1964}}
{{s-aft|after=Y V Malse}}
{{end}}

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1970–79}}
{{Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Engineer, Minoo Merwan}}
[[Category:Indian Air Force air marshals]]
[[Category:Parsi people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Maha Vir Chakra]]
[[Category:1921 births]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in civil service]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force officers]]
[[Category:Indian military personnel of World War II]]