Indian pilots in the RFC

[Lyffe]

Gentlemen,

I have a photo that I believe dates between 1922 and 1934 (earlier rather than later), showing a group of 9 - 2 RAF officers, 5 ORs and a civilian (meteorologist). One of the officers appears to be an Indian Flt Lt and is wearing wings and a considerable collection of medal ribbons; because of these I suspect he must have been an RFC pilot

I can't imagine there were that many Indian pilots in the RFC and wonder if there is any way I could perhaps identify him?

[dpolglaze]

Lyffe,

There's a fairly recent book out called Skyhawks, by Somnath Sapru, that details some (perhaps all of?) the Indian pilots in WWI. Perhaps the pictures in that book (I have a copy here) might be able to allow an identification. Failing that, I have the email address of Mr. Sapru somewhere. I exchanged emails with him a few months back.

The book lists the pilots as Lt. H.S. Malik (survived the war), Lt. I.L. Roy (KIA 22/7/18 so probably not your guy), Lt. E.S.C. Sen (POW but survived the war), and Lt. S.C. Welinkar (KIA 27/6/18? so also probably not your guy).

One honorary RAF Lt. was D.L. Patwabadhan.

Perhaps post a pic, and he may be identifiable.

Best of luck,

Dan

[Lyffe]

Many thanks for giving me hope Dan. I've attached the photo and hope it is not too degraded, the original was not of the best quality. As I said, I think the officer concerned, seated in the middle of the front row, is Indian, but I'm more than happy to be corrected.

Brian

[Lyffe]

Although noone has contradicted my suggestion that the officer in the centre of the front row is Indian, it has been pointed out off-board that he his considerably above the average height for an Indian. Which raises the question 'Which other dark-skinned Commonwealth citizens flew with the RFC/RAF during WW1?'

I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

Dan,

I'd be grateful for Mr Sapru's email address if you can find it. You can email me if you'd prefer not to post it here.

Brian

[dpolglaze]

Brian,

I had to go out of town for business on short notice last week, and haven't had much chance to do anything but work. I'll find that address for you, and see if the pilot in the pic appears similar to any of the pilots in the Skyhawks book.

Dan

[Lyffe]

Thank you Dan,

I intended to try and get the book via my library, but know from past experience that publications such as this often take some time to find. My guess is that I will be very lucky if he can be identified, but that doesn't stop me trying.

Cheers
Brian

[dpolglaze]

Brian,

Check your PM.

Dan

[Bulldog90]

I've been corresponding with the author of Skyhawks for sometime.He's a really nice fellow. Skyhawks is sort of a life work of his, with interviews with some of the surviving flyers dating back to the late 60's.

I'm finishing a biography for young readers of Indra Lal Roy and Somnath Sapru has been very helpful. I would recommend his book, but be forewarned; the print is really low tech.

If you send me a pm I can send you Somnath's e mail address, and he'll send you a copy himself.

I don't really think that man in the photo is Indian.


Regards,

Bulldog 90

[Lyffe]

Many thanks Bulldog 90, but Dan has sent Somnath's address; he's responded already. As you say, he seems a nice guy and is trying to identify my man.

I don't disagree with your idea that he may be another nationality - but the question is 'which one'? I can't think of another dark-skinned nationality which would have been accepted into the RFC/RAF at that time - let alone become a Flt Lt and gain a chestful of medals to boot.

Somnath has not contradicted my suggestion as to the Flt Lt possibly being Indian, so I can but only hope.

I'm going to try the RAF Museum at Hendon as well; this is so unusual it's just possible there is something on record.

Brian

[Lyffe]

This is really one for our American contributors. I've had a suggestion that rather than 'my' man being Indian, he is American (even though wearing RAF uniform). Would this be possible?

A name that has been thrown into the melting pot is Frank Ivens (or Ivins) - does that ring a bell with anyone?

Brian