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{{Short description|Indian Air Force Chief of Air Staff}}
{{Short description|Indian Air Force Chief of Air Staff}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| image        = File:ACM PC Lal.jpg
| image        = File:ACM PC Lal.jpg
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===Post-Independence===
===Post-Independence===
On 15 August 1947, with the [[partition of India]], a new Air Headquarters of the [[Dominion of India]] was formed.<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 2022}}</ref> Lal was appointed the Director of Planning and Training at Air HQ. In November 1947, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]]. Realising that the planning and training were vast responsibilities, it was divided into two departments. In late 1948, Group Captain Arjan Singh took over as Director of Training while Lal continued as Director of Planning.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=69}}
On 15 August 1947, with the [[partition of India]], a new Air Headquarters of the [[Dominion of India]] was formed.<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> Lal was appointed the Director of Planning and Training at Air HQ. In November 1947, he was promoted to the acting rank of [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]]. Realising that the planning and training were vast responsibilities, it was divided into two departments. In late 1948, Group Captain Arjan Singh took over as Director of Training while Lal continued as Director of Planning.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=69}}


Along with Group Captain [[Minoo Merwan Engineer]], Lal embarked for United Kingdom, having been selected to attend the [[RAF Staff College, Andover]] in May 1949.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=71}}<ref name="PIB Cab Sect"/> After completing the year-long course, he returned to India and was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the No. 1 Operational Command (later Western Air Command).<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record">{{cite web |title=Service Record for Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal 1567 F(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1567 |website=Bharat Rakshak |language=en-gb}}</ref> He served as the SASO for a period of three years.
Along with Group Captain [[Minoo Merwan Engineer]], Lal embarked for United Kingdom, having been selected to attend the [[RAF Staff College, Andover]] in May 1949.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=71}}<ref name="PIB Cab Sect"/> After completing the year-long course, he returned to India and was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of the No. 1 Operational Command (later Western Air Command).<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record">{{cite web |title=Service Record for Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal 1567 F(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/1567 |website=Bharat Rakshak |language=en-gb}}</ref> He served as the SASO for a period of three years.
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{{main|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
{{main|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
{{further|East Pakistan Air Operations, 1971}}
{{further|East Pakistan Air Operations, 1971}}
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was sparked by the [[Bangladesh Liberation war]], a conflict between the traditionally dominant [[West Pakistan]]is and the majority [[East Pakistan]]is. In 1970, East Pakistanis demanded autonomy for the state, but the [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistani government]] failed to satisfy these demands and, in early 1971, a demand for secession took root in East Pakistan. In March, the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]] launched a fierce campaign to curb the secessionists, the latter including soldiers and police from East Pakistan. Thousands of East Pakistanis died, and nearly ten million refugees fled to [[West Bengal]], an adjacent Indian state. In April, India decided to assist in the formation of the new nation of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Global Security - 1971 War">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|title=Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|work=Global Security|access-date=27 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094736/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|archive-date=26 November 2022}}</ref>
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was sparked by the [[Bangladesh Liberation war]], a conflict between the traditionally dominant [[West Pakistan]]is and the majority [[East Pakistan]]is. In 1970, East Pakistanis demanded autonomy for the state, but the [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistani government]] failed to satisfy these demands and, in early 1971, a demand for secession took root in East Pakistan. In March, the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]] launched a fierce campaign to curb the secessionists, the latter including soldiers and police from East Pakistan. Thousands of East Pakistanis died, and nearly ten million refugees fled to [[West Bengal]], an adjacent Indian state. In April, India decided to assist in the formation of the new nation of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Global Security - 1971 War">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|title=Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|work=Global Security|access-date=27 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094736/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|archive-date=26 November 2016}}</ref>


The war started on 3 December 1971 with [[Operation Chengiz Khan]] getting underway. Aircraft of the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) mounted simultaneous attacks on seven IAF bases – Srinagar, Awantipur, Pathankot, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala and Agra. A radar station on the border was also hit.{{sfn|Lal|1986|pp=154–155}}  The IAF struck back. By 21:00hrs, the [[B-57 Canberra|Canberra]]s of the [[No. 35 sqn|No.35 Squadron]] and No.106 Squadron, as well as No.5 and No.16 squadron were armed and ready for their foray deep into Pakistan. These flew against eight Western Pakistani airbases: [[PAF Base Murid|Murid]], [[PAF Base M.M. Alam|Mianwali]], [[PAF Base Mushaf|Sargodha]], [[Chandhar Air Force Base|Chandhar]], Risalewala, [[PAF Base Rafiqui|Rafiqui]], and [[PAF Base Masroor|Masroor]]. In total, 23 combat [[sortie]]s were launched that night, inflicting heavy damage to Sargodha and Masroor airbases.<ref name= acig>{{cite web| author =Tom Cooper, with Syed Shaiz Ali| publisher =Air Combat Information Group|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_330.shtml| title=India – Pakistan War, 1971; Western Front, part I| access-date=2008-07-04}}</ref> The PAF units stationed on these airfields had to operate from taxiways for the following two days. Through the night the Indian Air Force also [[East Pakistan Air Operations#3–4 December|struck the main East Pakistani airfields]] of [[Tejgaon Airport|Tejgaon]], and later [[Shahjalal International Airport|Kurmitola]]. At the same time, the Indian Air Force was deploying additional aircraft to its forward airfields for the strikes that were to follow the next morning. Within days, India was able to achieve air superiority.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]</ref><ref name= TIME20>{{cite news|work=[[Time (magazine)Time]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html|title=Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born |volume=98 |issue=25|access-date=2008-07-04| date=1971-12-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112032245/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html |archive-date=2007-01-12}}</ref>
The war started on 3 December 1971 with [[Operation Chengiz Khan]] getting underway. Aircraft of the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) mounted simultaneous attacks on seven IAF bases – Srinagar, Awantipur, Pathankot, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala and Agra. A radar station on the border was also hit.{{sfn|Lal|1986|pp=154–155}}  The IAF struck back. By 21:00hrs, the [[B-57 Canberra|Canberra]]s of the [[No. 35 sqn|No.35 Squadron]] and No.106 Squadron, as well as No.5 and No.16 squadron were armed and ready for their foray deep into Pakistan. These flew against eight Western Pakistani airbases: [[PAF Base Murid|Murid]], [[PAF Base M.M. Alam|Mianwali]], [[PAF Base Mushaf|Sargodha]], [[Chandhar Air Force Base|Chandhar]], Risalewala, [[PAF Base Rafiqui|Rafiqui]], and [[PAF Base Masroor|Masroor]]. In total, 23 combat [[sortie]]s were launched that night, inflicting heavy damage to Sargodha and Masroor airbases.<ref name= acig>{{cite web| author =Tom Cooper, with Syed Shaiz Ali| publisher =Air Combat Information Group|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_330.shtml| title=India – Pakistan War, 1971; Western Front, part I| access-date=2008-07-04}}</ref> The PAF units stationed on these airfields had to operate from taxiways for the following two days. Through the night the Indian Air Force also [[East Pakistan Air Operations#3–4 December|struck the main East Pakistani airfields]] of [[Tejgaon Airport|Tejgaon]], and later [[Shahjalal International Airport|Kurmitola]]. At the same time, the Indian Air Force was deploying additional aircraft to its forward airfields for the strikes that were to follow the next morning. Within days, India was able to achieve air superiority.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]</ref><ref name= TIME20>{{cite news|work=[[Time (magazine)Time]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html|title=Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation Is Born |volume=98 |issue=25|access-date=2008-07-04| date=1971-12-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112032245/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878969,00.html |archive-date=2007-01-12}}</ref>
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Lal ensured that the [[Indian Army]] and the IAF worked closely with each other. The advance HQ of the [[Western Air Command]] and [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] were alongside their respective Army Commands. The advance HQs, under an Air Commodore, were responsible for providing support to the Army as required. Each Corps HQ under the Commands had a Tactical Air Centre, commanded by a Group Captain, who reported to the Advance HQ. In the field, [[forward air control]]lers were made responsible for directing strikes called out in the support of the Army.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=175}}
Lal ensured that the [[Indian Army]] and the IAF worked closely with each other. The advance HQ of the [[Western Air Command]] and [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] were alongside their respective Army Commands. The advance HQs, under an Air Commodore, were responsible for providing support to the Army as required. Each Corps HQ under the Commands had a Tactical Air Centre, commanded by a Group Captain, who reported to the Advance HQ. In the field, [[forward air control]]lers were made responsible for directing strikes called out in the support of the Army.{{sfn|Lal|1986|p=175}}


The war lasted less than a fortnight and saw more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers taken prisoner. It ended with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan's eastern half and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh as a new nation.{{Sfn|Singh|2005|pp=210–211}} In addition to the POWs, Pakistan suffered 6,000 casualties against India's 2,000.<ref name="Three Indian Blunders in the 1971 War">{{cite web|author1=Athale, Anil|title=Three Indian blunders in the 1971 war|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-three-indian-blunders-in-the-1971-war/20111212.htm|website=Rediff|access-date=27 November 2016|date=12 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123073209/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-three-indian-blunders-in-the-1971-war/20111212.htm|archive-date=23 November 2022}}</ref> The IAF flew over 7300 sorties in 14 days, an average of about 500 sorties per day. About 86 aircraft of the PAF were downed and 42 aircraft of the IAF lost.{{sfn|Lal|1986|pp=319–321}}
The war lasted less than a fortnight and saw more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers taken prisoner. It ended with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan's eastern half and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh as a new nation.{{Sfn|Singh|2005|pp=210–211}} In addition to the POWs, Pakistan suffered 6,000 casualties against India's 2,000.<ref name="Three Indian Blunders in the 1971 War">{{cite web|author1=Athale, Anil|title=Three Indian blunders in the 1971 war|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-three-indian-blunders-in-the-1971-war/20111212.htm|website=Rediff|access-date=27 November 2016|date=12 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123073209/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-three-indian-blunders-in-the-1971-war/20111212.htm|archive-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> The IAF flew over 7300 sorties in 14 days, an average of about 500 sorties per day. About 86 aircraft of the PAF were downed and 42 aircraft of the IAF lost.{{sfn|Lal|1986|pp=319–321}}


For his services to the nation, Lal was awarded the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in January 1972.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Communique |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/RASHTRAPATI%20BHAWAN/1972-JAN-MAY-RASHTRPATI-BHVAN/PDF/RPB-1972-01-15_030.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=15 January 1972}}</ref> Lal retired from service on 16 January 1973 after serving for over 33 years. He handed over charge to Air Chief Marshal [[Om Prakash Mehra]].<ref>{{cite web |title=AIR CHIEF MARSHAL LAL'S FAREWELL MESSAGE |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1973-JAN-MAY-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1973-01-15_030.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=15 January 1973}}</ref>
For his services to the nation, Lal was awarded the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in January 1972.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Communique |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/RASHTRAPATI%20BHAWAN/1972-JAN-MAY-RASHTRPATI-BHVAN/PDF/RPB-1972-01-15_030.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=15 January 1972}}</ref> Lal retired from service on 16 January 1973 after serving for over 33 years. He handed over charge to Air Chief Marshal [[Om Prakash Mehra]].<ref>{{cite web |title=AIR CHIEF MARSHAL LAL'S FAREWELL MESSAGE |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1973-JAN-MAY-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1973-01-15_030.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=15 January 1973}}</ref>
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==Death and legacy==
==Death and legacy==
Lal died of a heart attack while visiting London on 13 August 1982. His body was brought back in an Air India flight. He was cremated with full military honours. Among the pall bearers were the former Chief ACM Arjan Singh and the serving chief ACM Dilbagh Singh. Wreaths were laid by the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman|R Venkataraman]] and the Chiefs of the three service – COAS [[General (India)|General]] [[K. V. Krishna Rao]], CNS [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Oscar Stanley Dawson]] and CAS ACM [[Dilbagh Singh]]<ref name="obit">{{cite web|title=Air Marshal Lal Cremated|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1980-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-M-II/PDF/DEF-1982-08-16_054.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=30 January 1982|access-date=9 February 2022}}</ref> Lal was working on his memoirs and the history of the IAF when he died. His wife, Ela Lal edited and completed the book and ''My years with the IAF'' was published in 1986.<ref name="IAF Bio" />
Lal died of a heart attack while visiting London on 13 August 1982. His body was brought back in an Air India flight. He was cremated with full military honours. Among the pall bearers were the former Chief ACM Arjan Singh and the serving chief ACM Dilbagh Singh. Wreaths were laid by the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman|R Venkataraman]] and the Chiefs of the three service – COAS [[General (India)|General]] [[K. V. Krishna Rao]], CNS [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Oscar Stanley Dawson]] and CAS ACM [[Dilbagh Singh]]<ref name="obit">{{cite web|title=Air Marshal Lal Cremated|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1980-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-M-II/PDF/DEF-1982-08-16_054.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=30 January 1982|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> Lal was working on his memoirs and the history of the IAF when he died. His wife, Ela Lal edited and completed the book and ''My years with the IAF'' was published in 1986.<ref name="IAF Bio" />


The Indian Air Force won its most decisive victory under the leadership of Lal.<ref name="Legends of IAF" /> He was regarded as an exemplary aviator and administrator.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force Pays Tribute to Founder of Cheshire Home |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1980-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-M-II/PDF/DEF-1982-09-08_079.pdf |date=8 September 1982}}</ref> Unlike earlier Chiefs, he was not a fighter jock, but an instructor and manager.<ref name="Legends of IAF">{{cite web |title=Air Chief Marshal PC Lal {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/air-chief-marshal-pc-lal |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref> The Air Force organises an annual 'Air Chief Marshal P C Lal Memorial lecture'.<ref>{{cite web |title=No change in attitude of ISI, attacks likely to continue: Narayanan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/no-change-in-attitude-of-isi-attacks-likely-to-continue-narayanan/articleshow/2903477.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=27 March 2022}}</ref>
The Indian Air Force won its most decisive victory under the leadership of Lal.<ref name="Legends of IAF" /> He was regarded as an exemplary aviator and administrator.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force Pays Tribute to Founder of Cheshire Home |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1980-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-M-II/PDF/DEF-1982-09-08_079.pdf |date=8 September 1982}}</ref> Unlike earlier Chiefs, he was not a fighter jock, but an instructor and manager.<ref name="Legends of IAF">{{cite web |title=Air Chief Marshal PC Lal {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/air-chief-marshal-pc-lal |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref> The Air Force organises an annual 'Air Chief Marshal P C Lal Memorial lecture'.<ref>{{cite web |title=No change in attitude of ISI, attacks likely to continue: Narayanan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/no-change-in-attitude-of-isi-attacks-likely-to-continue-narayanan/articleshow/2903477.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=27 March 2008}}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
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|align="center" |[[File:UK-Air-OF5.svg|35px]] || [[Group Captain]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 4 November 1947 (acting)<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record" />
|align="center" |[[File:UK-Air-OF5.svg|35px]] || [[Group Captain]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 4 November 1947 (acting)<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record" />
|-
|-
|align="center" |[[File:Group_Captain_of_IAF.png|35px]] || [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 26 January 1950 (recommissioning and change in insignia)<ref name="insignia_designs">{{cite web|title=New Designs of Crests and Badges in the Services|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveFirstPhase/HOME%20AFFAIRS/1950/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193914/http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2022}}</ref><br/>15 September 1952 (substantive)
|align="center" |[[File:Group_Captain_of_IAF.png|35px]] || [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 26 January 1950 (recommissioning and change in insignia)<ref name="insignia_designs">{{cite web|title=New Designs of Crests and Badges in the Services|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveFirstPhase/HOME%20AFFAIRS/1950/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193914/http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref><br/>15 September 1952 (substantive)
|-
|-
|align="center" |[[File:Air_Commodore_of_IAF.png|35px]] || [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 28 January 1953 (acting)<ref name="IAF Bio" /><br/>1 October 1958 (substantive)<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record" />
|align="center" |[[File:Air_Commodore_of_IAF.png|35px]] || [[Air commodore (India)|Air Commodore]] || [[Indian Air Force]] || 28 January 1953 (acting)<ref name="IAF Bio" /><br/>1 October 1958 (substantive)<ref name="Bharat Rakshak Service Record" />
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