Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa PVSM, AVSM, VM, affectionately known as “Tiger” or “Minhi,” passed away today at 92. Renowned for his remarkable leadership as the station commander of Jaisalmer during the Indian Air Force’s engagement in the 1971 War, Bawa’s strategic insight led to an unprecedented tank defeat that has been etched in military history.
Born in 1932, Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa embarked on a distinguished journey with the Indian Air Force, receiving his commission as a fighter pilot in April 1953. He was a prominent member of the illustrious 60th Pilot Course, which included many future legends of the Air Force, such as Pirthi Singh, TK Sen, Satnam Shah, P Gautam, KK Sen, Walter Marshall, and BA Coelho, among others. Bawa was destined to leave his indelible mark on the IAF.
Initially assigned to Begumpet’s Conversion Training Unit (CTU), Bawa honed his skills flying the iconic Spitfire aircraft. His early career also saw him serving with the 101 Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron at Palam, continuing his association with the Spitfire. By May 1954, his journey took a turn when he was posted to the prestigious No. 1 Squadron at Palam, where he transitioned to flying the Vampire jet.
On 14 August 1954, he expertly managed a forced belly landing due to technical issues with his Vampire aircraft. This incident led to what was likely India’s first casualty evacuation by helicopter, performed by the 114 Helicopter Unit at Palam, with SK Majumdar playing a role in Bawa’s recovery. The aftermath of the accident necessitated a shift to ground roles for Bawa as he awaited medical clearance to return to fighter flying. During this period, he served at the 8 Wing in Adampur.
In early 1958, Mohinder Singh Bawa regained his medical clearance for fighter flying. This led to his posting to 20 Squadron, where he piloted the recently acquired Hunter aircraft. During his tenure with the squadron until early 1961, Bawa distinguished himself briefly serving as the flight commander.
Bawa’s passion for aviation soon steered him towards instructional flying. After completing the Flying Instructors’ School (FIS) course in the first half of 1961, he dedicated the next five years to shaping the next generation of pilots. He served with distinction at the Air Force Flying College in Jodhpur for nearly four years before assuming command of the No. 6 Elementary Flying Training Unit (EFTU) in Patiala, where his expertise and leadership further enhanced the training program’s reputation.
March 1966 marked Bawa’s return to the adrenaline-filled world of fighter flying when he was appointed Flight Commander of the 17 Squadron, operating Hunters in the strategic eastern sectors of Jorhat and Hashimara. His journey took another remarkable turn in March 1968 when he was tasked with a formidable challenge: establishing the No. 26 Squadron at Adampur and introducing the Sukhoi-7, a new addition to the Indian Air Force’s arsenal. As Commanding Officer, Bawa was instrumental in moulding the squadron into a formidable type training unit for the IAF’s latest fighter-bomber fleet. Under his leadership, the squadron achieved remarkable success, earning him widespread respect and admiration. Recognising his outstanding leadership and contribution to this challenging assignment, Bawa was honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal.
In November 1970, Minhi embarked on a new career chapter at Jamnagar, taking the helm as Chief Instructor of the Indian Air Force’s Armament Training Wing (ATW). This critical establishment was home to several training units, including the Operational Training Unit (OTU) that specialised in transitioning novice pilots to the Hunter aircraft and the prestigious Pilot Attack Instructor School, regarded as the “Top Gun” of its era. Each unit within the ATW was designed with a dual purpose: to provide top-tier training in peacetime and seamlessly transition to a combat role during wartime.
The outbreak of the 1971 War necessitated just such a transition. Bawa was tasked with a formidable and strategic assignment: to relocate a detachment of Hunters from the OTU to the Jaisalmer sector, an area previously not used as a permanent base by the IAF, and assume command of the station. On 10 September 1971, he undertook the challenging role of establishing the base, designated as the 14 Care & Maintenance Unit, amidst a backdrop of ongoing construction and the need to swiftly transition from peacetime to wartime readiness.
Bawa’s leadership was pivotal in steering the base towards its primary goal: achieving the highest level of operational readiness. Key focus areas included ground defence, air defence, communications, radio aids, and transport infrastructure. By 4 December 1971, under Bawa’s command, the base was directed to initiate combat operations, launch sorties against strategic targets in Jacobabad and Rahim Yar Khan, and provide critical close air support to the Army.
On December 5th, amidst escalating enemy aggression, the Longewala post issued urgent pleas for assistance. In response, at approximately 0715 hours, the first Hunter mission arrived timely, just as the post teetered on the brink of being overrun. The aircrew quickly identified and confirmed the presence of T-59 tanks, a critical piece of intelligence corroborated by Air Operations units. They engaged the advancing tanks without hesitation, initiating a relentless sequence of missions to halt and decimate the enemy’s armoured assault.
This confrontation marked a seminal moment in military history: a clear, direct battle between air power and ground armour, with the Indian Air Force decisively proving the efficacy of air superiority in modern warfare. The operation saw the execution of 17 sorties, which destroyed 15 tanks, one armoured vehicle, the derailment of 7 trains, and significant damage to another 23 tanks, employing 180 T-10 rockets and over 4,000 rounds of 30 mm ammunition. The precision and effectiveness of these missions underscored the strategic prowess and bravery of the IAF personnel involved, leading to numerous commendations for their gallantry. For his outstanding leadership and strategic acumen during this critical period, Wing Commander Bawa was bestowed with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a testament to his exceptional service and a rare honour for an officer of his rank.
Following this assignment, Bawa served with distinction in the Western sector. He was appointed as the station commander of Jamnagar, holding the rank of Group Captain from 1976 to 1978. Simultaneously, he led the Tactical and Combat Development and Evaluation (TACDE), the IAF’s “Top Gun” unit, demonstrating his versatile military expertise and leadership. In 1978, in recognition of his potential for higher leadership roles, Bawa was selected to attend the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom, further preparing him for the strategic challenges of senior command positions.
Upon his return from the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK, Minhi Bawa took command of the 7 Wing at Ambala as an Air Commodore. This period was marked by newly acquired Jaguar aircraft settling in at Ambala, and Bawa was at the forefront of that integration. Demonstrating his adaptability and leadership, he then served as the Air Advisor to the High Commission in the UK, a role that underscored his expertise and diplomatic skills, before returning to India in 1985.
Elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, Bawa continued to influence the next generation of military leaders as the Chief Instructor (Air) at the Defence Services Staff College in 1985. His tenure there was followed by a 15-month appointment as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the South Western Air Command, stationed at Jodhpur. In March 1988, his illustrious career reached another pinnacle when he was promoted to Air Marshal and assumed the position of Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Central Air Command based in Allahabad. He retired from this distinguished post in December 1990, leaving a legacy of exceptional service and leadership.
Air Marshal Bawa was known not just for his military prowess but also for his vibrant personality. A man of tenacity and zest for life, he had a profound love for poetry and was an avid golfer. He was particularly passionate about accurately representing the role of the Indian Air Force in the Battle of Longewala, striving to correct the narratives that he felt were misrepresented in the popular film “Border.”
His commitment to the Air Force and its history was deeply personal, and his efforts to honour the true spirit and sacrifices of the IAF’s personnel were unwavering. As we remember Air Marshal Bawa, our thoughts also extend to the veterans of the 26 Squadron, who have recently mourned the loss of another esteemed leader, Air Marshal RN Bharadwaj. These stalwart commanders’ legacy, leadership, and dedication to their country and the Air Force will always be remembered and cherished.
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