A Legend's Return: 1965 War Hero Alfred Cooke Takes Part In IAF Day Event, 58 Years After His Historic Combat
During his visit IAF Veteran Cooke paid homage to the war memorial at Kalaikunda and said that he believes India is in safe hands now
With tears in his eyes, he witnessed a reenactment of the historic moment when he knocked down 4 Pakistani Sabre during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, former Air Force Officer Flight Lieutenant Alfred Cook’s return to West Bengal’s Kalaikunda after almost 58 years was an emotional moment for India.
Alfred Cooke VrC ( Kalaikunda saviour ) was invited by the Indian Air Force for an event on the eve of the IAF Day. He was accompanied by his daughter Michelle and son-in-law.
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During his visit, the IAF veteran paid homage to the war memorial at Kalaikunda and met the personnel at the IAF base. He also interacted with young pilots undergoing fighter training at the camp.
The visit, probably one of the most special ones for the former IAF Lieutenant, comes after he wrote to the department requesting to visit the Kalaikunda base camp along with his daughter.
In the emotional letter, the Flt Ltd also expressed his desire that his ashes be scattered in Kalaikunda after his death.
“See I have tears in my eyes, this place Kalaikunda is my life. This is where I fought for the honour of my motherland, I still remember every detail," an apparently emotional Ltd Cooke told News18.
Elaborating on the details of his mission, the IAF veteran said, “That morning Pakistanis first attacked our camp in Kalaikunda, and while we were instructed to leave for Dumdum, later, we were given orders to confront 4 Pakistani Sabre. One after another I knocked all of those down. Later, I realised that my ammunition had been exhausted however I continued to fight. Now, I want my ashes should get mixed in this soil."
What happened on September 7, 1965
On the morning of September 7, 1965, a force of six F-86 Pakistani Sabres attacked Kalaikunda leaving considerable damage on the airfield. Four Vampires and Two Canberras were destroyed. The Pakistanis followed it up with another raid of six F-86 Sabres at around 10:30 a.m.
Tale of Flt Ltd Alfred Cooke’s Exemplary Courage Begins
Flt Ltd Alfred Cooke made visual contact with the Pakistani Sabres and the IAF pilots were treated to a chilling sight: three PAF Sabres were employing a classic front gun racecourse pattern of attack as another kept for cover. Three Sabres were ready to attack the western side of the airbase i.e., the runway, while the other kept top cover on the eastern/ATC hangar side of the runway.
Ltd Cooke’s response was immediate, a classic piece of bravado, as he called out to Mamgain, “Look at those bastards! – Let’s get them – I’m taking these three this side – you break and take on the ones on the other side. Good luck!"
In response, Ltd Cooke took down three planes one after the other as part of what history considers one of the most fierce dog air fights.
Inspired by his exemplary valour and presence of mind, the young IAF cadets drew humongous inspiration from the reenactment of this legendary fight.
Flt Ltd Cooke’s daughter also spoke to News18 and said, “I have grown up hearing about this historic combat that my father carried out that day and it is a great feeling to come to this country where he is still considered a hero. He got Vir Chakra that time."
AOC Air Cmdr Ran Singh said, “He is real real-life hero, we have grown up hearing stories of his bravery. Our young officers interacted with him today and got inspired.
Flt Ltd Cooke left India three years after the 1965 war and now lives in Australia with his daughter. He will also be taking part in the Indian Air Force Day programme and said that he believes India is in safe hands now.
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