PAF's Gallant Christian Hero: Group Captain (Retd) Cecil Chaudhry, Sitara-i-Juraat - Part 4

Flight Lieutenant Cecil Chaudhry, Sitara-i-Juraat

http://paffalcons.com/legend/gallantry-awards1965/cecil-chaudhry.php


Cecil Chaudhry, the son of Faustian Elmer Chaudhry, the famous Chief Photographer of Pakistan Times, Lahore, was born on August 27, 1941. His interest in aircraft and flying brought him to the PAF and he graduated in 1960. He soon established himself professionally and in 1965 was working as Flight Commander (Training) under the renowned Squadron Leader Sarfraz Rafiqui. When war broke out on September 6, 1965, Cecil busied himself flying numerous Close Support missions to ward off the Indian ground attack against Lahore and Sialkot. He was detailed to fly a dusk strike mission against Halwara under the command of Squadron Leader Rafiqui. There were unavoidable delays in their take-off and Halwara got forewarned because of the successful PAF strike against Pathankot.

When Rafiqui, Yunus and Cecil reached their target Halwara, they were intercepted by numerous Hunter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. During the engagement, after shooting down one Indian Hunter, Rafiquis guns jammed and he handed over the lead to Cecil. The three fought bravely against heavy odds but Rafiqui and Yunus were shot down while Cecil managed to return safely after shooting down a Hunter. The loss of his mentor Rafiqui and friend Yunus enraged Cecil and he fought the rest of the war aggressively and with determination. For his acts of courage, dedication and professional ability, Cecil received the Sitara-i-Jurat.

During the 1971 war also Cecil, by now a Squadron Leader, fought with valour. On December 7, during his second mission of the day over Zafarwal-Shakargarh sector, Cecils aircraft was hit by ground fire and badly damaged. He had to eject in enemy territory but he managed to make good his escape and reached Sargodha base safely. He continued to fight valiantly despite fractured ribs and exacted his revenue on December 11, when he managed to shoot down an Indian SU-7 fighter right over the area where he had lost his aircraft.

During the course of his service, Cecil commanded the prestigious No 9 Squadron and the Combat Commanders School PAF. He retired in 1986 in the rank of Group Captain. Not one to sit idle, he took time to educate himself and subsequently became the Principal at St. Anthonys School at Lahore. He continues to turn out scores of motivated young men who are bubbling with zeal and enthusiasm to serve their country with dedication, pride and honour.

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[shamschohaan]

@normylpnz U FORGOT THE REST OF THE PILOTS

[shamschohaan]

HOW ABOUT THE OTHER PILOTS WHO FOUGHT VERY GALLANTLY IN 1971 WAR, NO ONE HAS THE GUTS TO MENTION THEM

[Aaadil8]

Great Man, Great Pakistani!!

[Drzhivago11]

Nice!

[normylpnz]

P.A.F Zindabad n their pilots like Rafiquis n Cecil!!!

Great Job during the war 1965 n 71.... all Nation salute Him!

[ThePAKchauvinist]

great........

[zarraarr]

Air Cdre i suppose he should be, he served as the base commander sargodha, so he should be air commodore!

[mirpur1999]

nice rack