Ram Nath Chawla - Revision history

Meeekil: minor update section per standard format and improved wording

2025-08-10T09:35:09Z

minor update section per standard format and improved wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 10 August 2025
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	\| birth_place = [[British India]]		\| birth_place =[[Kasur]], [[Punjab Province (British India)\|Punjab Province]], [[British India]]
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	'''Ram Nath Chawla''' (1 December 1903 - 23 February 1986) was an Indian [[Aircraft pilot\|pilot]] who in March 1930, in an attempt to win a flying competition set by the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], was the first Indian to fly an aircraft from India to England. He was the [[pilot in command\|main pilot]] of a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] and was accompanied by 17-year-old [[Aspy Merwan Engineer]], his [[First officer (aeronautics)\|co-pilot]]. The journey took 17 days.		'''Ram Nath Chawla''' (1 December 1903 – 23 February 1986) was an Indian [[Aircraft pilot\|pilot]] who in March 1930, in an attempt to win a flying competition set by the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], was the first Indian to fly an aircraft from India to England. He was the [[pilot in command\|main pilot]] of a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] and was accompanied by 17-year-old [[Aspy Merwan Engineer]], his [[First officer (aeronautics)\|co-pilot]]. The journey took 17 days.

	He was later commissioned into the equipment branch of the [[Indian Air Force]], becoming its senior officer, before he retired in 1953.		He was later commissioned into the equipment branch of the [[Indian Air Force]], becoming its senior officer, before he retired in 1953.

	== Early life ==		== Early life ==
	Ram Nath Chawla was born 1 December 1903.<ref name="BharatRakshak">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1626\|title=Service Record for Flight Lieutenant Ram Nath Chawla 1626 EQPT at Bharat Rakshak.com\|website=Bharat Rakshak\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> After completing High School in [[Kasur]],<ref name="Sapru2014"/> he studied civil engineering at the [[University of Nottingham]]<ref name="Express">{{Cite web\|url=~~http~~://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/mar/19/flashback-of-first-flier-who-flew-farthest-in-1930-1582930.html\|title=Flashback of first flier who flew farthest in 1930\|date=19 March 2017\|website=The New Indian Express\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> and took flying lessons at the nearby [[Hucknall Aerodrome]]. In 1928, he received his flying licence from the [[Royal Aero Club\|Aero Club of London]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/><ref name=Fyzee1991>{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NkDbAAAAMAAJ&q=chawla\|title=Aircraft and engine perfect: the story of JRD Tata who opened up skies for his country\|last=Fyzee\|first=Murad\|date=1991\|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.\|isbn=9780074601204\|language=en}}</ref>		Ram Nath Chawla was born 1 December 1903.<ref name="BharatRakshak">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1626\|title=Service Record for Flight Lieutenant Ram Nath Chawla 1626 EQPT at Bharat Rakshak.com\|website=Bharat Rakshak\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> After completing High School in [[Kasur]],<ref name="Sapru2014"/> he studied civil engineering at the [[University of Nottingham]]<ref name="Express">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/mar/19/flashback-of-first-flier-who-flew-farthest-in-1930-1582930.html\|title=Flashback of first flier who flew farthest in 1930\|date=19 March 2017\|website=The New Indian Express\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> and took flying lessons at the nearby [[Hucknall Aerodrome]]. In 1928, he received his flying licence from the [[Royal Aero Club\|Aero Club of London]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/><ref name=Fyzee1991>{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NkDbAAAAMAAJ&q=chawla\|title=Aircraft and engine perfect: the story of JRD Tata who opened up skies for his country\|last=Fyzee\|first=Murad\|date=1991\|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.\|isbn=9780074601204\|language=en\|page=39}}</ref>

	== Family ==		== Family ==
	Ram Nath Chawla was fourth among five brothers. His family consisted of his wife, one daughter, Bimla Khetarpal (Chawla being her maternal surname), and two sons, Jung Bahadur Chawla and Avtar Chawla. He lived in small town called, Kasur, now in Pakistan before partition of India but had to leave all their belongings in Pakistan (like millions of others) when the partition of India took place.		Ram Nath Chawla was fourth among five brothers. His family consisted of his wife, one daughter, Bimla Khetarpal (Chawla being her maternal surname), and two sons, Jung Bahadur Chawla and Avtar Chawla. He lived in small town called, Kasur, now in Pakistan before partition of India but had to leave all their belongings in Pakistan (like millions of others) when the partition of India took place.{{citation needed\|date=September 2023}}

	== Early flying career ==		== Early flying career ==
	In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], 48th Iman of the [[Isma'ilism\|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims,<ref name="Chowdhury2018">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGpUDwAAQBAJ&q=aspy&pg=PA368\|title=Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars\|last=Chowdhry\|first=Mohindra S.\|date=2018\|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd\|isbn=9781788037983\|pages=369\|language=en}}</ref> announced a £500 prize<ref name="Chowdhury2018" /> for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.<ref name="Rao2000">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pBCIAwAAQBAJ&q=Aga+Khan+1929+flight+prize&pg=PP8\|title=J. R. D. TATA\|last=Rao\|first=Prof L. S. Seshagiri\|date=2000\|publisher=Sapna Book House (P) Ltd.\|isbn=9788128017438\|language=en}}</ref>		In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], 48th Iman of the [[Isma'ilism\|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims,<ref name="Chowdhury2018">{{Cite book\|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGpUDwAAQBAJ&q=aspy&pg=PA368\|title=Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars\|last=Chowdhry\|first=Mohindra S.\|date=2018\|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd\|isbn=9781788037983\|chapter=7. Sikhs in the Second World War\|pages=369\|language=en}}</ref> announced a £500 prize<ref name="Chowdhury2018" /> for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.<ref name="Rao2000">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pBCIAwAAQBAJ&q=Aga+Khan+1929+flight+prize&pg=PP8\|title=J. R. D. TATA\|last=Rao\|first=Prof L. S. Seshagiri\|date=2000\|publisher=Sapna Book House (P) Ltd.\|isbn=9788128017438\|language=en}}</ref>

	Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] aircraft as a birthday gift.<ref name="Express"/><ref>{{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=8 March 2019}}</ref> On 3 March 1930, with Chawla as the main pilot, they both flew the aircraft from Karachi, to [[Croydon Airport]], England, taking 17 days.<ref name="spsAviation"/><ref name="FlightMay1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0519 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019\|archive-date=21 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054656/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.<ref name="Sapru2014">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEa6DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT442\|title=Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945\|last=Sapru\|first=Somnath\|publisher=KW Publishers\|year=2014\|isbn=9789383649259\|page=442}}</ref><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 name="Burge1930">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V0zOAAAAMAAJ&q=r.+n.+chawla+air\|title=The Air Annual of the British Empire\|last=Burge\|first=Cyril G.\|date=1930\|publisher=Gale & Polden.\|language=en}}</ref> Members of the Punjab Association and officials from the [[Air Ministry]] were also present.<ref name=Cluett1980/>		Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] aircraft as a birthday gift.<ref name="Express"/><ref>{{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=8 March 2019\|archive-date=19 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219183357/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Personnel/Tributes/1074-Engineers.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 3 March 1930, with Chawla as the main pilot, they both flew the aircraft from Karachi, to [[Croydon Airport]], England, taking 17 days.<ref name="spsAviation"/><ref name="FlightMay1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0519 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019\|archive-date=21 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054656/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.<ref name="Sapru2014">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEa6DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT442\|title=Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945\|last=Sapru\|first=Somnath\|publisher=KW Publishers\|year=2014\|isbn=9789383649259\|page=442}}</ref><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 name="Burge1930">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V0zOAAAAMAAJ&q=r.+n.+chawla+air\|title=The Air Annual of the British Empire\|last=Burge\|first=Cyril G.\|date=1930\|publisher=Gale & Polden.\|language=en}}</ref> Members of the Punjab Association and officials from the [[Air Ministry]] were also present.<ref name=Cluett1980/>

	On 27 March 1930, ''The Wallington and Carshalton Times'' captured the arrival at Croydon with a photograph of both pilots and the headline "From India's coral strand". Under the image were the words "Victor’s laurels".<ref name=Cluett1980>{{Cite book~~\|url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/croydon-airport-the-great-days-1928-1939-by-douglas-cluett-joanna-nash-bob-learmonth/oclc/16475697~~\|title=Croydon Airport: the great days, 1928-1939 : [by] Douglas Cluett, Joanna Nash, Bob Learmonth.\|last1=Cluett\|first1=Douglas\|last2=Nash\|first2=Joanna\|last3=Learmonth\|first3=Bob\|last4=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|date=1980\|publisher=London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|isbn=0950322482\|location=Sutton, Surrey (Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey)\|pages=16–18\|language=en\|chapter=2. Life at the Airport\|oclc=16475697}}</ref>		On 27 March 1930, ''The Wallington and Carshalton Times'' captured the arrival at Croydon with a photograph of both pilots and the headline "From India's coral strand". Under the image were the words "Victor’s laurels".<ref name=Cluett1980>{{Cite book\|title=Croydon Airport: the great days, 1928-1939 : [by] Douglas Cluett, Joanna Nash, Bob Learmonth.\|last1=Cluett\|first1=Douglas\|last2=Nash\|first2=Joanna\|last3=Learmonth\|first3=Bob\|last4=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|date=1980\|publisher=London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|isbn=0950322482\|location=Sutton, Surrey (Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey)\|pages=16–18\|language=en\|chapter=2. Life at the Airport\|oclc=16475697}}</ref>

	A reception was held on 10 April 1930.<ref name="FlightApril1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200464.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0464 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating [[J. R. D. Tata]] by a few hours and winning over [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)\|Man Mohan Singh]] due to a technical issue.<ref name="spsAviation"/>		A reception was held on 10 April 1930.<ref name="FlightApril1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200464.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0464 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating [[J. R. D. Tata]] by a few hours and winning over [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)\|Man Mohan Singh]] due to a technical issue.<ref name="spsAviation"/>
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	In 1934, Chawla flew from India to England, solo, in a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/>		In 1934, Chawla flew from India to England, solo, in a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

	On 1 August 1940, following training at [[PAF Base Faisal]], [[Karachi]], he was commissioned into the [[Royal Air Force]] as an equipment officer.<ref name="Sapru2014"/> After the [[partition of India]], Chawla became the senior most equipment officer in the [[Indian Air force]].<ref name="EngineerMemoirs1993">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections\|last=Engineer\|first=Air Marshal Aspy\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> He retired as ~~Wing Commander~~ in 1953~~, having flown~~ 960 hours as a civilian pilot.<ref name="Sapru2014"/>		On 1 August 1940, following training at [[PAF Base Faisal]], [[Karachi]], he was commissioned into the [[Royal Air Force]] as an equipment officer.<ref name="Sapru2014"/> After the [[partition of India]], Chawla became the senior most equipment officer in the [[Indian Air force]].<ref name="EngineerMemoirs1993">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections\|last=Engineer\|first=Air Marshal Aspy\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019\|archive-date=17 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030257/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> He retired as a wing commander in 1953 and logged 960 hours as a civilian pilot.<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

	==Death==		==Death==
	Chawla died on 23 February 1986.~~{{citation needed\|date~~=~~October 2019}}~~		Chawla died on 23 February 1986.<ref name="BharatRakshak"/>

	== References ==		== References ==

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2022-08-16T12:27:59Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 16 August 2022
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	{{Short description\|Indian aircraft pilot}}		{{Short description\|Indian aircraft pilot}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=March ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2019}}
	{{Infobox officeholder		{{Infobox officeholder
	\| honorific-prefix =		\| honorific-prefix =
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	== Early life ==		== Early life ==
	Ram Nath Chawla was born 1 December 1903.<ref name="BharatRakshak">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1626\|title=Service Record for Flight Lieutenant Ram Nath Chawla 1626 EQPT at Bharat Rakshak.com\|website=Bharat Rakshak\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February ~~2022~~}}</ref> After completing High School in [[Kasur]],<ref name="Sapru2014"/> he studied civil engineering at the [[University of Nottingham]]<ref name="Express">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/mar/19/flashback-of-first-flier-who-flew-farthest-in-1930-1582930.html\|title=Flashback of first flier who flew farthest in 1930\|date=19 March 2017\|website=The New Indian Express\|access-date=19 February ~~2022~~}}</ref> and took flying lessons at the nearby [[Hucknall Aerodrome]]. In 1928, he received his flying licence from the [[Royal Aero Club\|Aero Club of London]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/><ref name=Fyzee1991>{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NkDbAAAAMAAJ&q=chawla\|title=Aircraft and engine perfect: the story of JRD Tata who opened up skies for his country\|last=Fyzee\|first=Murad\|date=1991\|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.\|isbn=9780074601204\|language=en}}</ref>		Ram Nath Chawla was born 1 December 1903.<ref name="BharatRakshak">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1626\|title=Service Record for Flight Lieutenant Ram Nath Chawla 1626 EQPT at Bharat Rakshak.com\|website=Bharat Rakshak\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> After completing High School in [[Kasur]],<ref name="Sapru2014"/> he studied civil engineering at the [[University of Nottingham]]<ref name="Express">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/mar/19/flashback-of-first-flier-who-flew-farthest-in-1930-1582930.html\|title=Flashback of first flier who flew farthest in 1930\|date=19 March 2017\|website=The New Indian Express\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> and took flying lessons at the nearby [[Hucknall Aerodrome]]. In 1928, he received his flying licence from the [[Royal Aero Club\|Aero Club of London]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/><ref name=Fyzee1991>{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NkDbAAAAMAAJ&q=chawla\|title=Aircraft and engine perfect: the story of JRD Tata who opened up skies for his country\|last=Fyzee\|first=Murad\|date=1991\|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.\|isbn=9780074601204\|language=en}}</ref>

	== Family ==		== Family ==
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	In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], 48th Iman of the [[Isma'ilism\|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims,<ref name="Chowdhury2018">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGpUDwAAQBAJ&q=aspy&pg=PA368\|title=Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars\|last=Chowdhry\|first=Mohindra S.\|date=2018\|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd\|isbn=9781788037983\|pages=369\|language=en}}</ref> announced a £500 prize<ref name="Chowdhury2018" /> for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.<ref name="Rao2000">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pBCIAwAAQBAJ&q=Aga+Khan+1929+flight+prize&pg=PP8\|title=J. R. D. TATA\|last=Rao\|first=Prof L. S. Seshagiri\|date=2000\|publisher=Sapna Book House (P) Ltd.\|isbn=9788128017438\|language=en}}</ref>		In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the [[Aga Khan III\|Aga Khan]], 48th Iman of the [[Isma'ilism\|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims,<ref name="Chowdhury2018">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGpUDwAAQBAJ&q=aspy&pg=PA368\|title=Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars\|last=Chowdhry\|first=Mohindra S.\|date=2018\|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd\|isbn=9781788037983\|pages=369\|language=en}}</ref> announced a £500 prize<ref name="Chowdhury2018" /> for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.<ref name="Rao2000">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pBCIAwAAQBAJ&q=Aga+Khan+1929+flight+prize&pg=PP8\|title=J. R. D. TATA\|last=Rao\|first=Prof L. S. Seshagiri\|date=2000\|publisher=Sapna Book House (P) Ltd.\|isbn=9788128017438\|language=en}}</ref>

	Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] aircraft as a birthday gift.<ref name="Express"/><ref>{{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=8 March ~~2022~~}}</ref> On 3 March 1930, with Chawla as the main pilot, they both flew the aircraft from Karachi, to [[Croydon Airport]], England, taking 17 days.<ref name="spsAviation"/><ref name="FlightMay1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0519 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019\|archive-date=21 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054656/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.<ref name="Sapru2014">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEa6DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT442\|title=Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945\|last=Sapru\|first=Somnath\|publisher=KW Publishers\|year=2014\|isbn=9789383649259\|page=442}}</ref><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 name="Burge1930">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V0zOAAAAMAAJ&q=r.+n.+chawla+air\|title=The Air Annual of the British Empire\|last=Burge\|first=Cyril G.\|date=1930\|publisher=Gale & Polden.\|language=en}}</ref> Members of the Punjab Association and officials from the [[Air Ministry]] were also present.<ref name=Cluett1980/>		Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a [[de Havilland DH.60\|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] aircraft as a birthday gift.<ref name="Express"/><ref>{{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=8 March 2019}}</ref> On 3 March 1930, with Chawla as the main pilot, they both flew the aircraft from Karachi, to [[Croydon Airport]], England, taking 17 days.<ref name="spsAviation"/><ref name="FlightMay1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0519 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019\|archive-date=21 February 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054656/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla\|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.<ref name="Sapru2014">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEa6DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT442\|title=Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945\|last=Sapru\|first=Somnath\|publisher=KW Publishers\|year=2014\|isbn=9789383649259\|page=442}}</ref><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 name="Burge1930">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V0zOAAAAMAAJ&q=r.+n.+chawla+air\|title=The Air Annual of the British Empire\|last=Burge\|first=Cyril G.\|date=1930\|publisher=Gale & Polden.\|language=en}}</ref> Members of the Punjab Association and officials from the [[Air Ministry]] were also present.<ref name=Cluett1980/>

	On 27 March 1930, ''The Wallington and Carshalton Times'' captured the arrival at Croydon with a photograph of both pilots and the headline "From India's coral strand". Under the image were the words "Victor’s laurels".<ref name=Cluett1980>{{Cite book\|url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/croydon-airport-the-great-days-1928-1939-by-douglas-cluett-joanna-nash-bob-learmonth/oclc/16475697\|title=Croydon Airport: the great days, 1928-1939 : [by] Douglas Cluett, Joanna Nash, Bob Learmonth.\|last1=Cluett\|first1=Douglas\|last2=Nash\|first2=Joanna\|last3=Learmonth\|first3=Bob\|last4=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|date=1980\|publisher=London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|isbn=0950322482\|location=Sutton, Surrey (Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey)\|pages=16–18\|language=en\|chapter=2. Life at the Airport\|oclc=16475697}}</ref>		On 27 March 1930, ''The Wallington and Carshalton Times'' captured the arrival at Croydon with a photograph of both pilots and the headline "From India's coral strand". Under the image were the words "Victor’s laurels".<ref name=Cluett1980>{{Cite book\|url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/croydon-airport-the-great-days-1928-1939-by-douglas-cluett-joanna-nash-bob-learmonth/oclc/16475697\|title=Croydon Airport: the great days, 1928-1939 : [by] Douglas Cluett, Joanna Nash, Bob Learmonth.\|last1=Cluett\|first1=Douglas\|last2=Nash\|first2=Joanna\|last3=Learmonth\|first3=Bob\|last4=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|date=1980\|publisher=London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Arts Services\|isbn=0950322482\|location=Sutton, Surrey (Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey)\|pages=16–18\|language=en\|chapter=2. Life at the Airport\|oclc=16475697}}</ref>

	A reception was held on 10 April 1930.<ref name="FlightApril1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200464.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0464 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February ~~2022~~}}</ref> Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating [[J. R. D. Tata]] by a few hours and winning over [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)\|Man Mohan Singh]] due to a technical issue.<ref name="spsAviation"/>		A reception was held on 10 April 1930.<ref name="FlightApril1930">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200464.html?search=chawla\|title=1930 {{!}} 0464 {{!}} Flight Archive\|website=www.flightglobal.com\|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating [[J. R. D. Tata]] by a few hours and winning over [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)\|Man Mohan Singh]] due to a technical issue.<ref name="spsAviation"/>

	The 1965 ''Who's Who of Aviation Directory of Asia'' describes Chawla as "the first Indian to pilot an aircraft from Karachi to Croydon, UK in 1930".<ref name="Sapru2014"/>		The 1965 ''Who's Who of Aviation Directory of Asia'' describes Chawla as "the first Indian to pilot an aircraft from Karachi to Croydon, UK in 1930".<ref name="Sapru2014"/>
Line 72:		Line 72:
	In 1934, Chawla flew from India to England, solo, in a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/>		In 1934, Chawla flew from India to England, solo, in a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

	On 1 August 1940, following training at [[PAF Base Faisal]], [[Karachi]], he was commissioned into the [[Royal Air Force]] as an equipment officer.<ref name="Sapru2014"/> After the [[partition of India]], Chawla became the senior most equipment officer in the [[Indian Air force]].<ref name="EngineerMemoirs1993">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections\|last=Engineer\|first=Air Marshal Aspy\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February ~~2022~~}}</ref> He retired as Wing Commander in 1953, having flown 960 hours as a civilian pilot.<ref name="Sapru2014"/>		On 1 August 1940, following training at [[PAF Base Faisal]], [[Karachi]], he was commissioned into the [[Royal Air Force]] as an equipment officer.<ref name="Sapru2014"/> After the [[partition of India]], Chawla became the senior most equipment officer in the [[Indian Air force]].<ref name="EngineerMemoirs1993">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html\|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections\|last=Engineer\|first=Air Marshal Aspy\|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com\|language=en-gb\|access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref> He retired as Wing Commander in 1953, having flown 960 hours as a civilian pilot.<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

	==Death==		==Death==
	Chawla died on 23 February 1986.{{citation needed\|date=October ~~2022~~}}		Chawla died on 23 February 1986.{{citation needed\|date=October 2019}}

	== References ==		== References ==

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{{Short description|Indian aircraft pilot}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| name = Ram Nath Chawla
| honorific_suffix =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image =Ram Nath Chawla.jpg
| caption =
| office = Wing Commander [[Indian Air Force]]
| term_start =
| term_end =
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| office2 =
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| successor2 =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1903|12|01}}
| death_date =23 February 1986
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial =
| birth_place = [[British India]]
| death_place =
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| allegiance = {{flag|British India}} (1933–1947) <br />{{flag|India}} (from 1947)
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}}

'''Ram Nath Chawla''' (1 December 1903 - 23 February 1986) was an Indian [[Aircraft pilot|pilot]] who in March 1930, in an attempt to win a flying competition set by the [[Aga Khan III|Aga Khan]], was the first Indian to fly an aircraft from India to England. He was the [[pilot in command|main pilot]] of a [[de Havilland DH.60|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] and was accompanied by 17-year-old [[Aspy Merwan Engineer]], his [[First officer (aeronautics)|co-pilot]]. The journey took 17 days.

He was later commissioned into the equipment branch of the [[Indian Air Force]], becoming its senior officer, before he retired in 1953.

== Early life ==
Ram Nath Chawla was born 1 December 1903.<ref name="BharatRakshak">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1626|title=Service Record for Flight Lieutenant Ram Nath Chawla 1626 EQPT at Bharat Rakshak.com|website=Bharat Rakshak|language=en-gb|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> After completing High School in [[Kasur]],<ref name="Sapru2014"/> he studied civil engineering at the [[University of Nottingham]]<ref name="Express">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2017/mar/19/flashback-of-first-flier-who-flew-farthest-in-1930-1582930.html|title=Flashback of first flier who flew farthest in 1930|date=19 March 2017|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> and took flying lessons at the nearby [[Hucknall Aerodrome]]. In 1928, he received his flying licence from the [[Royal Aero Club|Aero Club of London]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/><ref name=Fyzee1991>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NkDbAAAAMAAJ&q=chawla|title=Aircraft and engine perfect: the story of JRD Tata who opened up skies for his country|last=Fyzee|first=Murad|date=1991|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.|isbn=9780074601204|language=en}}</ref>

== Family ==
Ram Nath Chawla was fourth among five brothers. His family consisted of his wife, one daughter, Bimla Khetarpal (Chawla being her maternal surname), and two sons, Jung Bahadur Chawla and Avtar Chawla. He lived in small town called, Kasur, now in Pakistan before partition of India but had to leave all their belongings in Pakistan (like millions of others) when the partition of India took place.

== Early flying career ==
In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the [[Aga Khan III|Aga Khan]], 48th Iman of the [[Isma'ilism|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims,<ref name="Chowdhury2018">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGpUDwAAQBAJ&q=aspy&pg=PA368|title=Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars|last=Chowdhry|first=Mohindra S.|date=2018|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd|isbn=9781788037983|pages=369|language=en}}</ref> announced a £500 prize<ref name="Chowdhury2018" /> for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.<ref name="Rao2000">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pBCIAwAAQBAJ&q=Aga+Khan+1929+flight+prize&pg=PP8|title=J. R. D. TATA|last=Rao|first=Prof L. S. Seshagiri|date=2000|publisher=Sapna Book House (P) Ltd.|isbn=9788128017438|language=en}}</ref>

Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a [[de Havilland DH.60|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] aircraft as a birthday gift.<ref name="Express"/><ref>{{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=8 March 2022}}</ref> On 3 March 1930, with Chawla as the main pilot, they both flew the aircraft from Karachi, to [[Croydon Airport]], England, taking 17 days.<ref name="spsAviation"/><ref name="FlightMay1930">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla|title=1930 {{!}} 0519 {{!}} Flight Archive|website=www.flightglobal.com|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054656/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200519.html?search=chawla|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.<ref name="Sapru2014">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEa6DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT442|title=Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945|last=Sapru|first=Somnath|publisher=KW Publishers|year=2014|isbn=9789383649259|page=442}}</ref><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 name="Burge1930">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V0zOAAAAMAAJ&q=r.+n.+chawla+air|title=The Air Annual of the British Empire|last=Burge|first=Cyril G.|date=1930|publisher=Gale & Polden.|language=en}}</ref> Members of the Punjab Association and officials from the [[Air Ministry]] were also present.<ref name=Cluett1980/>

On 27 March 1930, ''The Wallington and Carshalton Times'' captured the arrival at Croydon with a photograph of both pilots and the headline "From India's coral strand". Under the image were the words "Victor’s laurels".<ref name=Cluett1980>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/croydon-airport-the-great-days-1928-1939-by-douglas-cluett-joanna-nash-bob-learmonth/oclc/16475697|title=Croydon Airport: the great days, 1928-1939 : [by] Douglas Cluett, Joanna Nash, Bob Learmonth.|last1=Cluett|first1=Douglas|last2=Nash|first2=Joanna|last3=Learmonth|first3=Bob|last4=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services|date=1980|publisher=London Borough of Sutton Libraries and Arts Services|isbn=0950322482|location=Sutton, Surrey (Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey)|pages=16–18|language=en|chapter=2. Life at the Airport|oclc=16475697}}</ref>

A reception was held on 10 April 1930.<ref name="FlightApril1930">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200464.html?search=chawla|title=1930 {{!}} 0464 {{!}} Flight Archive|website=www.flightglobal.com|access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref> Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating [[J. R. D. Tata]] by a few hours and winning over [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)|Man Mohan Singh]] due to a technical issue.<ref name="spsAviation"/>

The 1965 ''Who's Who of Aviation Directory of Asia'' describes Chawla as "the first Indian to pilot an aircraft from Karachi to Croydon, UK in 1930".<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

== The Aga Khan Award ==
He won the [[Aga Khan III|Aga Khan]] Award for the first Indian to make a flight to and from England to India. Source: https://www.britishpathe.com/video/from-india-in-17-days.

== Later flying career ==
In 1934, Chawla flew from India to England, solo, in a [[de Havilland Puss Moth]].<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

On 1 August 1940, following training at [[PAF Base Faisal]], [[Karachi]], he was commissioned into the [[Royal Air Force]] as an equipment officer.<ref name="Sapru2014"/> After the [[partition of India]], Chawla became the senior most equipment officer in the [[Indian Air force]].<ref name="EngineerMemoirs1993">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/ww2/veterans/1188-aspy-engineer.html|title=Air Marshal Aspy Engineer's Recollections|last=Engineer|first=Air Marshal Aspy|website=www.bharat-rakshak.com|language=en-gb|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> He retired as Wing Commander in 1953, having flown 960 hours as a civilian pilot.<ref name="Sapru2014"/>

==Death==
Chawla died on 23 February 1986.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[https://www.britishpathe.com/video/from-india-in-17-days From India In 17 Days 1930], Movie footage of arrival at Croydon with Aspy Engineer, March 1930
*[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/search.aspx?ArchiveSearchForm%24search=chawla&ArchiveSearchForm%24fromYear=&ArchiveSearchForm%24toYear=&x=0&y=0 Chawla, ''Flight'' Journal]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chawla, Ram Nath}}
[[Category:1903 births]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force officers]]
[[Category:Indian aviators]]
[[Category:Croydon Airport]]
[[Category:1986 deaths]]