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{{Short description|Indian Air Marshal and diplomat}} | {{Short description|Indian Air Marshal and diplomat}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=July | {{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| 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/><ref name=Singh2002>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kuldip |title=Obituary: Air Marshal Aspy Engineer; Former Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force |work=The Independent |date=21 Jun 2002 |location=London}}</ref> 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 | 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/><ref name=Singh2002>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kuldip |title=Obituary: Air Marshal Aspy Engineer; Former Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force |work=The Independent |date=21 Jun 2002 |location=London}}</ref> 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|archive-date=6 February 2007|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>{{sfn|Sapru|2014}} Aspy was the eldest amongst eight siblings - two girls and six boys. His brothers, [[Minoo Merwan Engineer|Minoo]], Jungoo and 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=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><ref name=Sorabji2012/> | ||
At the age of 7, Engineer witnessed aviators [[Transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown|Alcock and Brown]] make an emergency aircraft landing on the Race Course grounds opposite his father's railway bungalow in [[Hyderabad, Sindh]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/> He later recounted, "I dreamt of nothing else thereafter but aircraft landing on the roof-top of our spacious bungalow."<ref name=Sorabji2012/> | At the age of 7, Engineer witnessed aviators [[Transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown|Alcock and Brown]] make an emergency aircraft landing on the Race Course grounds opposite his father's railway bungalow in [[Hyderabad, Sindh]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/> He later recounted, "I dreamt of nothing else thereafter but aircraft landing on the roof-top of our spacious bungalow."<ref name=Sorabji2012/> | ||
He completed his early education from the [[Panchgani#Education|Billimoria Parsi School]], [[Panchgani]],<ref name=Sorabji2012/> and the [[DJ Science College]] in [[Karachi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1255960|title=Karachi's air history|date=3 May 2016|newspaper=Dawn|location=Pakistan|first=Sohail|last=Ansari|accessdate=9 July | He completed his early education from the [[Panchgani#Education|Billimoria Parsi School]], [[Panchgani]],<ref name=Sorabji2012/> and the [[DJ Science College]] in [[Karachi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1255960|title=Karachi's air history|date=3 May 2016|newspaper=Dawn|location=Pakistan|first=Sohail|last=Ansari|accessdate=9 July 2020}}</ref> On his 17th birthday, his father presented him with a second-hand [[de Havilland DH.60|de Havilland Gipsy Moth]] and after less than three months of lessons, he obtained his license to fly from the [[Aero Club of India|Karachi Aero Club]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/> | ||
==Aga Khan contest== | ==Aga Khan contest== | ||
In November 1929, the [[Aga Khan III|Aga Khan]], 48th Imam of the [[Isma'ilism|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims{{sfn|Chowdhury| | In November 1929, the [[Aga Khan III|Aga Khan]], 48th Imam of the [[Isma'ilism|Ismailai]] sect of Muslims{{sfn|Chowdhury|2018}} announced a prize of £500{{sfn|Chowdhury|2018}} to the first Indian who could fly solo between England and India within a one-month time-frame.{{sfn|Rao|2000}} | ||
Shortly after the announcement, Engineer as [[First officer (aeronautics)|co-pilot]] and his friend R. N. Chawla set on a flight to England in March 1930, at a time lacking [[radio communications]] or [[air traffic control]]. On 21 March 1930, they flew into [[Croydon Airport]] where the [[William Waterlow|Lord Mayor of London]] and the press greeted them with garlands.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref>{{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|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=18 February | Shortly after the announcement, Engineer as [[First officer (aeronautics)|co-pilot]] and his friend R. N. Chawla set on a flight to England in March 1930, at a time lacking [[radio communications]] or [[air traffic control]]. On 21 March 1930, they flew into [[Croydon Airport]] where the [[William Waterlow|Lord Mayor of London]] and the press greeted them with garlands.<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref>{{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|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
The other contestants included; [[J. R. D. Tata]], who later founded [[Tata Motors]] and [[Air India#History|Air India]], and another Bristol trained pilot, [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)|Man Mohan Singh]].{{sfn|Chowdhury|2018|p=369}}{{sfn|Rao|2000}} Engineer left Croydon on 25 April 1930, crossing paths with Tata in Cairo. Tata gave Engineer the spare much needed [[spark plug]] which allowed Engineer to complete the journey from Croydon Airport, England, to [[PAF Base Faisal|RAF Drigh Road]], [[Karachi]], now in [[Pakistan]], in his Gipsy Moth and was awarded the prize, winning over Man Mohan Singh by one day.<ref name=spsAviation/>{{sfn|Sapru| | The other contestants included; [[J. R. D. Tata]], who later founded [[Tata Motors]] and [[Air India#History|Air India]], and another Bristol trained pilot, [[Man Mohan Singh (pilot)|Man Mohan Singh]].{{sfn|Chowdhury|2018|p=369}}{{sfn|Rao|2000}} Engineer left Croydon on 25 April 1930, crossing paths with Tata in Cairo. Tata gave Engineer the spare much needed [[spark plug]] which allowed Engineer to complete the journey from Croydon Airport, England, to [[PAF Base Faisal|RAF Drigh Road]], [[Karachi]], now in [[Pakistan]], in his Gipsy Moth and was awarded the prize, winning over Man Mohan Singh by one day.<ref name=spsAviation/>{{sfn|Sapru|2014}}<ref name=Flight1930>{{Cite journal|date=23 May 1930|title=The Aga Khan Prize|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1930/UNTITLED0%20-%200583.PDF|journal=Flight|pages=559}}</ref> | ||
In response, [[Sir Frederick Sykes]], [[Governor of Bombay]], arranged for a public reception at [[Bombay#Portuguese and British rule|Bombay]] and the [[Imperial Legislative Council|Legislative Council of India]] awarded Engineer 10,000 rupees. However, as a result of an aircraft accident at [[Bhuj]], he instead flew to his old school and landed on its playing field.<ref name=Sorabji2012/> | In response, [[Sir Frederick Sykes]], [[Governor of Bombay]], arranged for a public reception at [[Bombay#Portuguese and British rule|Bombay]] and the [[Imperial Legislative Council|Legislative Council of India]] awarded Engineer 10,000 rupees. However, as a result of an aircraft accident at [[Bhuj]], he instead flew to his old school and landed on its playing field.<ref name=Sorabji2012/> | ||
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===Early career=== | ===Early career=== | ||
In 1931, Engineer entered the [[Royal Air Force College Cranwell]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=Shillidy1935>{{cite journal |last1=Shillidy |first1=J. A. |title=Civil aviation in India |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Arts |date=1935 |volume=83 |issue=4299 |pages=477–492 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41360427 |issn=0035-9114|url-access=subscription}}</ref> At Cranwell, he was awarded the Grove's Memorial Flying prize for the best all-round pilot during his term. He was commissioned as a pilot and joined the newly formed [[No. 1 Squadron IAF]]. The No. 1 Squadron had only one [[flight (military unit)|flight]] and was then stationed in [[RAF Drigh Road|Drigh Road]], [[Karachi]]. The flight was equipped with four Westland Wapiti biplanes. | In 1931, Engineer entered the [[Royal Air Force College Cranwell]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/><ref name=Shillidy1935>{{cite journal |last1=Shillidy |first1=J. A. |title=Civil aviation in India |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Arts |date=1935 |volume=83 |issue=4299 |pages=477–492 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41360427 |issn=0035-9114|url-access=subscription}}</ref> At Cranwell, he was awarded the Grove's Memorial Flying prize for the best all-round pilot during his term. He was commissioned as a pilot and joined the newly formed [[No. 1 Squadron IAF]]. The No. 1 Squadron had only one [[flight (military unit)|flight]] and was then stationed in [[RAF Drigh Road|Drigh Road]], [[Karachi]]. The flight was equipped with four Westland Wapiti biplanes. | ||
As part of the 'A' flight of the squadron, Engineer flew a [[Westland Wapiti]] and saw action in the [[Waziristan campaign (1936–1939)]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/><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=16 February | As part of the 'A' flight of the squadron, Engineer flew a [[Westland Wapiti]] and saw action in the [[Waziristan campaign (1936–1939)]].<ref name=Sorabji2012/><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=16 February 2019}}</ref> In 1938, for action against the tribals, he became the first IAF Officer to be [[mentioned in dispatches]].<ref name="IAF Bio">{{cite web |title=Aspy Merwan Engineer DFC CAS {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/aspy-merwan-engineer-dfc-cas-0 |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref> In July 1938, three flights of the No. 1 Squadron IAF were formed and Engineer took command of the flight. He was one of the three flying officers of the three flights of No. 1 Squadron, the other two being [[Subroto Mukerjee]] and [[Karun Krishna Majumdar]].<ref name="IAF Bio"/> | ||
===World War II=== | ===World War II=== | ||
In 1941, the [[No. 2 Squadron IAF]] was formed at [[Peshawar]] under the command of Squadron Leader A B Awan.{{sfn|Ramunny|1997|p=100}} Engineer was one among seven pilots to be deputed to form the squadron and served as the Squadron [[Adjutant]].<ref name="IAF Bio"/> In June 1941, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Squadron Leader]] and took over as the [[Commanding Officer]] of No. 2 Squadron. The squadron converted from Wapitis to the [[Hawker Audax]] in September, and later to [[Westland Lysander]], under him.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of IAF {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/history-iaf-0 |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref> Engineer led the squadron in operations in the [[Tochi Valley]]. In December 1942, Engineer was mentioned in dispatches for the second time and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished services in Waziristan.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=35825 |supp=y|page=5497|date=15 December 1942}}</ref><ref name="Flying1945">{{cite journal |title=Flying Magazine |date=January 1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iEtdS34ZupIC&q=aspy+engineer |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Ahluwalia| | In 1941, the [[No. 2 Squadron IAF]] was formed at [[Peshawar]] under the command of Squadron Leader A B Awan.{{sfn|Ramunny|1997|p=100}} Engineer was one among seven pilots to be deputed to form the squadron and served as the Squadron [[Adjutant]].<ref name="IAF Bio"/> In June 1941, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Squadron Leader]] and took over as the [[Commanding Officer]] of No. 2 Squadron. The squadron converted from Wapitis to the [[Hawker Audax]] in September, and later to [[Westland Lysander]], under him.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of IAF {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/history-iaf-0 |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref> Engineer led the squadron in operations in the [[Tochi Valley]]. In December 1942, Engineer was mentioned in dispatches for the second time and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished services in Waziristan.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=35825 |supp=y|page=5497|date=15 December 1942}}</ref><ref name="Flying1945">{{cite journal |title=Flying Magazine |date=January 1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iEtdS34ZupIC&q=aspy+engineer |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Ahluwalia|2012}} In late 1942, he relinquished command of No. 2 Squadron, handing over to Squadron Leader Habib Ullah Khan. He subsequently tenanted staff appointments at Air Headquarters. | ||
In December 1944, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] and took command of [[PAF Base Kohat|Air Force Station Kohat]] from [[Subroto Mukerjee]]. After commanding the airbase for over a year, Engineer was selected to attend the [[RAF Staff College, Bracknell]]. On his return to India in November 1946, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Group Captain]] and then moved to Air HQ as the Air Officer-in-charge Administration (AOA).<ref name="RIAF Appointments 1947"/> | In December 1944, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] and took command of [[PAF Base Kohat|Air Force Station Kohat]] from [[Subroto Mukerjee]]. After commanding the airbase for over a year, Engineer was selected to attend the [[RAF Staff College, Bracknell]]. On his return to India in November 1946, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Group Captain]] and then moved to Air HQ as the Air Officer-in-charge Administration (AOA).<ref name="RIAF Appointments 1947"/> | ||
===Post-Independence=== | ===Post-Independence=== | ||
On 15 August 1947, with the [[partition of India]], a new Air Headquarters of the [[Dominion of India]] was formed. Engineer was promoted to the acting rank of [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] and continued in his appointment as AOA. After Mukerjee, he was the second Air Commodore to be appointed in the RIAF.<ref name="RIAF Appointments 1947">{{cite web|title=RIAF Appointments|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-08-14_355.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=14 August 1947|access-date=26 January | On 15 August 1947, with the [[partition of India]], a new Air Headquarters of the [[Dominion of India]] was formed. Engineer was promoted to the acting rank of [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] and continued in his appointment as AOA. After Mukerjee, he was the second Air Commodore to be appointed in the RIAF.<ref name="RIAF Appointments 1947">{{cite web|title=RIAF Appointments|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-08-14_355.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=14 August 1947|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> The assets of the Indian Air Force (like other branches of the military) had to be divided between the Dominions of India and Pakistan. Subroto Mukerjee and Engineer led the air force part of this committee.{{sfn|Sapru|2014}} | ||
In September 1948, he assumed command of the [[Western Air Command (India)|No.1 Operational Group]] (later rechristened Western Air Command) from Air Commodore [[Mehar Singh (pilot)|Mehar Singh]].<ref name= "WAC History">{{cite web |title=WESTERN AIR COMMAND {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/western-air-command-1 |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jet Planes for RIAF |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-11-06_341.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=6 November 1948}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PIB (Defence Wing) |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-09-27_247.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=27 September 1948}}</ref> As the [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC), he led the [[Group (military aviation unit)|Group]] to support the troops in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]].{{sfn|Sapru| | In September 1948, he assumed command of the [[Western Air Command (India)|No.1 Operational Group]] (later rechristened Western Air Command) from Air Commodore [[Mehar Singh (pilot)|Mehar Singh]].<ref name= "WAC History">{{cite web |title=WESTERN AIR COMMAND {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/western-air-command-1 |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jet Planes for RIAF |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-11-06_341.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=6 November 1948}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PIB (Defence Wing) |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-09-27_247.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=27 September 1948}}</ref> As the [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC), he led the [[Group (military aviation unit)|Group]] to support the troops in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]].{{sfn|Sapru|2014}} In July 1949, the Group was renamed Operational Command.<ref name= "WAC History"/> He was selected to attend the [[Imperial Defence College]] and embarked for the [[United Kingdom]] in late 1950. After the year-long course, he returned to India and was appointed Air Officer-in-Charge Technical & Equipment Service at Air HQ. | ||
In 1952, Engineer took over as the [[Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff]] and Deputy Air Commander, IAF.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Vice Marshal Engineer |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1954%20DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1954-12-02_373.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=2 December 1954}}</ref> He was promoted to the rank of [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]] on 1 October 1954. In November 1954, he led the Air Force in a goodwill mission to [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=IAF GOODWILL MISSION TO INDONESIA |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1954%20DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1954-11-26_355.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=26 November 1954}}</ref> Engineer was deputed to the [[Hindustan Aircraft Limited]] (HAL) for a period of three years in 1958. On 28 May, he took over as the [[General Manager]] of HAL. On 23 May 1959, he became the second Indian to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal.<ref name="PIB 25-11-60">{{cite web |title=AIR MARSHAL ENGINEER NEW AIR CHIEF |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1960-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1960-11-25_207.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=25 November 1960}}</ref> | In 1952, Engineer took over as the [[Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Air Staff]] and Deputy Air Commander, IAF.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Vice Marshal Engineer |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1954%20DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1954-12-02_373.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=2 December 1954}}</ref> He was promoted to the rank of [[Air vice marshal (India)|Air Vice Marshal]] on 1 October 1954. In November 1954, he led the Air Force in a goodwill mission to [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=IAF GOODWILL MISSION TO INDONESIA |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1954%20DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1954-11-26_355.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=26 November 1954}}</ref> Engineer was deputed to the [[Hindustan Aircraft Limited]] (HAL) for a period of three years in 1958. On 28 May, he took over as the [[General Manager]] of HAL. On 23 May 1959, he became the second Indian to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal.<ref name="PIB 25-11-60">{{cite web |title=AIR MARSHAL ENGINEER NEW AIR CHIEF |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1960-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1960-11-25_207.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=25 November 1960}}</ref> | ||
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In November 1960, [[Air India]] inaugurated its service to [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]. Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, CAS and Air Commodore (later [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|ACM]]) [[Pratap Chandra Lal]], then [[General Manager]] of the [[Indian Airlines Corporation]] were passengers on this flight. After landing in Tokyo, on 8 November 1960, Mukerjee was having a meal in a restaurant with a friend, an officer in the [[Indian Navy]]. A piece of food got lodged in his [[windpipe]], [[choking]] him to death. Before a Doctor was called for and could attend, Mukerjee had passed away. The next day, his body was flown to [[Palam Airport]], [[New Delhi]].{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=85}} | In November 1960, [[Air India]] inaugurated its service to [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]. Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, CAS and Air Commodore (later [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|ACM]]) [[Pratap Chandra Lal]], then [[General Manager]] of the [[Indian Airlines Corporation]] were passengers on this flight. After landing in Tokyo, on 8 November 1960, Mukerjee was having a meal in a restaurant with a friend, an officer in the [[Indian Navy]]. A piece of food got lodged in his [[windpipe]], [[choking]] him to death. Before a Doctor was called for and could attend, Mukerjee had passed away. The next day, his body was flown to [[Palam Airport]], [[New Delhi]].{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=85}} | ||
After Mukerjee's untimely demise, Engineer was appointed the next Air Chief in late November. On 1 December 1960, he took over as the second Indian Chief of the Air Staff.{{sfn|Chowdhury| | After Mukerjee's untimely demise, Engineer was appointed the next Air Chief in late November. On 1 December 1960, he took over as the second Indian Chief of the Air Staff.{{sfn|Chowdhury|2018}}{{sfn|Khan|2004|p=194}} | ||
==Awards and decorations== | ==Awards and decorations== | ||
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | ||