INDIAN AIR FORCE AND ME

About the Book

38 years in anyone’s life is a very long period. I was privileged to be associated this long with the marvellous service known as the Indian Air Force. Although retired more than 24 years ago, I often forget that I am no longer in the service. In my dreams, I still see myself worrying about some unfinished tasks of the Squadron. On several occasions, I dream as if I am packing household items hurriedly to proceed on some imaginary transfer. After waking up, I realise it was only a dream; but the sweetness of those moments keep lingering on my mind for rest of the day. Psychologists might name this condition as an obsession, and I wouldn’t differ with them. Dreaming at night and recollecting past events during the day ultimately nudged me on to make the anecdotal record in the form of a book, which is now in your hands. Most of the Autobiographies are written by Top Ranking people with Top view of the organization they command. This book is however different that it is written by a person holding lower position and viewed from the bottom echelon of the organization. All the characters in the book are absolutely real, with their correct names and locations. However, in a couple of places, the names are changed to avoid controversy. The change of name is clearly indicated wherever it occurs. There is no malice, and no intention to hurt anyone’s feelings. Still, if anyone feels hurt, please accept my apologies in advance.

About the Author

Flight Lieutenant (Retd) Muniruddin Syed, VSM had joined the Indian Air Force as an Aircraft Apprentice in 1951. He was trained by the staff of Air Service Training, Hamble (UK), at The Technical Training College, IAF Bangalore. This institution was later renamed as Air Force Technical College. He worked as a Fitter Armourer on the Canberra aircraft of Nos. 5 & 16 Squadrons for the next 17 years. During this period, he also served under the UN flag in war-torn Congo. At home he saw action in Indo- Pak wars of 1965, and 1971. He had great zeal for original work to enhance the fire power of Canberra aircraft. This resulted in introduction of Rocket firing, Night photography, and supply dropping in Bomber role. He also standardised the supply dropping systems in transport aircraft then in use. For his single handed achievements, he was awarded Rashtrapathi’s Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day, in 1969. Later, his contribution for preparing the country for war in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) earned him Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ Maintenance Command, IAF, in 1972. He was Branch Commissioned in March, 1977 and retired after 38 years of service in Jan.1989. He turned 80 recently, but is active, and has taken up farming as a hobby.