The British went but left a deep scar on the history of India by playing divide and rule strategy, which led to the creation of two different nations in 1947, i.e., India and Pakistan.
Since then, India and Pakistan have had a tumultuous relationship marked by numerous wars and territorial claims.
One such war was the 1965 war, in which both countries fought over the region of Kashmir, leading to a United Nations-mediated ceasefire. At last, India won the war.
The reason? The mighty, loyal, and brave soldiers of India, who fought with courage and determination to defend their country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
One such commando was Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, who shot down Pak Sabre in the 1965 war. He and his brother Trevor were both awarded the Vir Chakra for successfully downing Pakistan Air Force Sabres in aerial combat.
Who was Air Marshal Denzil Keelor?
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor was an air officer of the Indian Air Force and a hero of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
He and his brother Wing Commander Trevor Keelor shot down a Pakistani Sabre aircraft, which was a turning point in the war. Their bravery and skill in combat earned them both the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest military award.
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Keelor was awarded with numerous awards, such as the ParamVishisht Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Sadly, he passed away on August 28, 2024, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication to his country. His contributions to the Indian Air Force will always be remembered and honoured.
Denzil Keelor: Military Career, Awards, and Achievements
As mentioned above, Denzil Keelor was awarded numerous significant awards, such as the Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Vir Chakra
Denzil Keelor was a brave Air Marshal who, on September 19, 1965, provided fighter escort to Mystere aircraft during a strike mission against Pakistan.
His section of four Gnat aircraft engaged four enemy Sabre jets in a battle fought at under 2000 feet, where anti-aircraft guns were also active. Under his leadership, his sub-section leader shot down a Sabre jet, and Keelor himself engaged another, crippling it.
Throughout the operation, he inspired his pilots and ground personnel, demonstrating exceptional courage and devotion to duty, embodying the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. After the engagement, he successfully executed a safe landing back at his airbase. This valour earned him the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Kirti Chakra
Similarly, on March 27, 1978, while flying a MiG-21 FL at high altitude, Group Captain Denzil Keelor's aircraft canopy detached, exposing him to explosive decompression and severe wind blast, injuring his eyes, eardrum, and left arm.
Despite these conditions, he chose to recover the aircraft rather than abandon it. With limited visibility from one eye due to the wind blast, he successfully returned to base and executed an emergency landing.
On May 17, 1978, during a live air-to-air sortie, a 23 mm shell exploded, causing extensive damage and total electrical failure. With no instruments or communication, Keelor assumed engine failure and attempted an emergency recovery.
He managed to land safely despite a throttle stuck at 60%. His actions demonstrated exceptional courage, skill, and dedication, earning him the Kirti Chakra for his remarkable handling of these emergencies.
Ati Vishist Seva Medal
From 1980 to 1982, Denzil Keelor held the position of air attaché at the Indian Embassy in Paris, France, with the rank of air commodore. Following this role, he assumed command of the Maharajpur Air Force Station as the air officer commanding.
Keelor's distinguished service was recognised with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, awarded on January 26, 1986, and the Param Vishist Seva Medal, awarded on January 26, 1989.
His career was marked by significant contributions to the Indian Air Force, showcasing both leadership and expertise in various capacities throughout his service.
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