This is a thread on a maverick fighter pilot nicknamed “Mad Mally”. Surinder Singh Malhotra was commissioned with 88 Pilot Course in 1964 and was removed from service in 1975. Enough to build a lasting reputation, including earning a Vir Chakra during the 1971 war.
Mally flew the Su-7 for a fair part of his career. One fine day in 1970, while on a DACT between 26 Sqn (Su-7) and 1 Sqn (MiG-21 Bis). Mad Mally from 26 went for a 1 vs 1 with Allen Alley of 1 Sqn. From the famous abreast position ‘combat combat go’ was called.
After about 30 seconds Sqn Ldr Alley called out, ” hey Mally call it off, we seem to have lost each other.” Mally replied, ” Sir continue I am 800 m behind you closing in.” It was clear what he was capable of, but no one wanted to be the one authorizing him to fly!
During 1971 war, he was sent on a single aircraft PR mission to Sargodha airfield. He was flying along the airfield when he saw a PAF MiG -19 directly opposite coming towards him. Mally abandoned the PR part and opened up at the Mig-19 with his NR-30 30mm guns.
What transpired thereafter was not known to him as the whole incident happened in a flash. He had in fact from that distance shot down the MiG-19 was known well after the war. His citation bears the details.
During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Surinder Singh Malhotra was serving with a Fighter Bomber Squadron. On the 12th December, 1971 when he was detailed to carry out a photo reconnaissance mission over Risalwala airfield deep in enemy territory, he was required to take the photographs from a height of 4 kilometers in order to cover the entire airfield. The moment he pulled up to the required height he noticed two enemy MiG-19 aircraft flying over the airfield. One of these aircraft was ahead and to his right turning towards him. He skillfully maneuvered his aircraft and positioned himself behind the MiG-19. As soon as the enemy aircraft came within firing range, he opened fire and saw enemy aircraft emitting smoke and going down. After this engagement, he brought his aircraft back to base safely. On earlier occasions he had photographed the same airfield and had brought back excellent photographs, which were of immense value to our operations and planning. In addition, he also carried out a number of close air support and interdiction missions despite heavy ground opposition.
Mad mally was fearless and unpredictable and had his share of disciplinary issues. After IAF, he went to Dubai and made some money. Came back to India and started a truck company. He was spotted by friends riding in his lungi and sharing meals with his truck drivers!
Originally published on Twitter
Post Script
“Mad Mally” was traced to Canada. He passed away on 20 Jan 2018. Sadly, we could never document his life, in his own words.
Leave a Reply