VP905 flip book

FIRST MILITARY USE OF THE DAKOTA BY IAF
India achieved freedom on 15 August 1947 and immediately the Pakistan army aided
by an irregular militia consisting of tribesmen from the frontier invaded Kashmir. The
Maharajah of Kashmir Hari Singh immediately acceded to India and signed the
instrument of accession. He also requested for Indian troops to fight the invaders who
had neared the capital Srinagar.
On 27 October 1947, three Dakotas of No.12 Sqn took off from Wellingdon Airfield
(Safdarjung) at 0500 hours for Srinagar signalling start of the IAF operations in the
1947-48 War. Before the end of the day, 28 Dakota sorties were flown (including 6
civilian sorties).
The Dakotas rose to the task and gave yeoman’s service in this air bridge to the valley.
Not a single DC 3 was lost and the aircraft proved itself as a hardy plane. Later It was
also used to ferry supplies to Leh, the highest airfield in the world at a height of 12000
ft. The first aviator who flew a Dakota and landed at Leh airfield was Air Commodore
Mehar Singh. He landed at an improvised strip on 24 November 1948. The Dakota
handled very well even at that height and is a testimony to its designer and
manufacturer
FURTHER USE OF THE DAKOTA
After the end of the Kashmir operations, more Dakotas were procured by the IAF and
the main supply lines in the North and East of India were handed to the Dakotas. Two
squadrons no 43 and 49 were incorporated in the east specifically for supply
forwarding troops. This was just the beginning and after this, the Dakota became a
standard transport aircraft of the IAF. The Dakota squadrons were based at Jorhat and
Kumbhigran and became the lifeline of the Indian army forward troops.
DAKOTA IN THE SINO – INDIA WAR OF 1962
The Dakota was put to good use during the Indo China war of 1962. The aircraft
Dakota played a logistical role - transportation of men and material and supplydropping
with large transport planes and helicopters. In NEFA an area of high
mountain ranges, thick tropical jungles and few roads, flying was the mode of quick
communication.
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