by: Navjeevan Express

Golden moments: Air Defence Regiment celebrates 49th Samba Day

NE NEWS SERVICE

AHMEDABAD,  DEC 8

The prized  catch- pilot seat of MiG-19 aircraft flown by Flight Lieutenant Raza of Pakistan Air Force on December 7, 1971. –NE photo.

The  Air Defence Regiment celebrated its ‘49th Samba Day’ on Monday. The ominous clouds of war in 1971, led Air Defence Regiment to its hour of reckoning & tryst with destiny. December 7, 1971, is etched in golden letters in the Regiment’s history for shooting down 11 Pakistani aircraft in a fierce Air Defence battle over the skies of Samba to nullify four separate air raids, a release said.

The radar which “Locked On” Pakistani MiG-19 aircraft enables the kills on December 12, 1971. –NE photo.

 

 

 

 

Gunner Bhadreshwar Pathak, Vir Chakra (Posthumous) & Lance Havildar Bal Bahadur, Vir Chakra were the wreckers-in-chief as the Regiment earned the Honour Title ‘SAMBA VA/VP’ for exceptional courage, gallantry & valour.

Gallant gunners of 29 Air Defence Regiment standing  next to wreckage  (engine) of Pakistani MiG-19 aircraft on December 10, 1971.- NE photo.