New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- The late Air Commodore Mehar Singh, then a Squadron Leader commanding No. 6 Squadron (Hurricane II B's) RIAF was the first Indian of the RIAF to be awarded a DSO in World War II.
Sqdn. Ldr. Mehar Singh, popularly known as 'Mehar Baba' had led his young, and for the most part inexperienced, pilots with steadfast devotion, tremendous nerve and great skill throughout the Arakan campaign as the Fighter Reconnaisance Squadron for XIV Army Corps.
In December 1943 the Squadron had flown 350 hours carrying out numerous tasks such as providing cover to allied troops and keeping in touch with isolated pockets, always flying at tree level to avoid superior Japanese aircraft in the area. By February the Sqdn. had amassed 1350 f...