The Unsung Hero of Sargodha: Squadron Leader Devayya and the Dauntless Spirit of 1965
The annals of military history are etched with tales of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. Among these narratives, the story of Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya stands as a testament to extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. His martyrdom during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War is not just a chapter of military history; it is a poignant saga of individual heroism that continues to inspire awe and respect. This article delves into the life, valor, and legacy of Squadron Leader Devayya, placing his sacrifice within the broader context of the 1965 conflict and its enduring impact.
Shadows of the Past: The Indo-Pakistan War of 1965
The year 1965 was a crucible for India. Still reeling from the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the nation was in a state of cautious rebuilding. Across the border, Pakistan, emboldened by substantial military aid from the United States, perceived a shift in the regional power dynamic. This perceived advantage fueled a series of escalating provocations, culminating in a covert operation named ‘Operation Gibraltar’ in August 1965, aimed at fomenting insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. [^1]
India's response to the infiltration was decisive. As the situation deteriorated, Pakistan launched a brazen pre-emptive strike on Indian airfields on the evening of September 6th, 1965. Pathankot Air Base bore the brunt of this attack, with several Indian aircraft damaged on the ground. This act of aggression, even before a formal declaration of war, ignited fury within the Indian Air Force (IAF). Among those most incensed was Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya, a pilot whose name would soon become synonymous with exceptional courage.
A Coorg Warrior Takes to the Skies: Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya
Born in the verdant hills of Coorg, known for its tradition of producing brave soldiers, Ajjamada Boppaiah Devayya, affectionately known as Thampi, embodied the spirit of a warrior. [^2] He was considered one of the most gifted and fearless fighter pilots in the IAF. Beyond his aerial prowess, Devayya was also a talented hockey player, showcasing his agility and competitive spirit both on the ground and in the air.
Devayya's journey with the IAF began on November 6, 1954. Initially flying Vampire aircraft, he honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks. Before assuming command of the Number One Squadron, ‘The Tigers’, in Adampur just six days before the war erupted, he was imparting his expertise to aspiring fighter pilots at the Hakimpet Air Force Flying College. When the drums of war began to beat, Devayya, a man of action and unwavering dedication, volunteered to return to active combat duty. His eagerness to defend his nation was palpable, and his squadron was soon tasked with a critical and perilous mission: to strike deep into enemy territory and retaliate against Pakistani airfields.
Operation Grand Slam: The Attack on Sargodha Air Base
In the late hours of September 6th, 1965, the IAF Command Headquarters issued orders for Mystere and Hunter squadrons based in Adampur and Halwara to launch a counter-attack on Pakistani airfields. Wing Commander O.P. Taneja, the Commanding Officer of the Adampur Tigers, designated Sargodha Air Base in Pakistan as their primary target. The attack was scheduled for the early hours of September 7th, at 5:55 am Indian time.
However, a critical flaw in the planning emerged. Sunrise in Sargodha was not until 6:10 am, meaning the Mystere aircraft would be arriving in near darkness. Wing Commander Taneja, recognizing the tactical disadvantage, requested a 15-minute delay. Regrettably, his plea was denied due to the synchronized attack plan with the Hunter squadron from Halwara, whose timings could not be altered at the last minute.
Squadron Leader Devayya, initially designated as a reserve pilot, would nonetheless play a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. As the Adampur Tigers prepared for their sortie, the stakes were high, and the risks were immense.
Dogfight Over Sargodha: A Clash of Titans
The Garuda formation of Mystere aircraft, led by Wing Commander Taneja, roared into the dawn sky, heading towards Sargodha Air Base. As they approached their target, anti-aircraft fire erupted from below, painting streaks of tracer fire across the dark canvas. Taneja and his wingman, Verma, initiated the first dive, successfully targeting and destroying a large, four-engine aircraft on the ground using rockets.
As Taneja turned to return to base, Squadron Leader Devayya’s Mystere arrived over Sargodha. Unbeknownst to the Indian pilots, Pakistan’s Sakser radar station had already alerted Pakistani Air Force (PAF) Starfighter interceptors to the incoming raid. Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain, piloting a supersonic F-104 Starfighter, was vectored towards the Mysteres.
The ensuing air battle, a David versus Goliath encounter, has been meticulously documented in Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail’s "Great Air Battles of the Pakistan Air Force" and John Fricker’s "Battle for Pakistan Air War of 1965." [^3, ^4] Hussain’s F-104 Starfighter, a formidable aircraft capable of twice the speed of sound and armed with heat-seeking Sidewinder missiles and 20mm cannons, was a technologically superior machine compared to Devayya’s Mystere, a subsonic fighter-bomber.
Hussain, spotting Devayya’s Mystere, positioned himself for an attack. He fired a Sidewinder missile, but it missed its mark. Undeterred, he unleashed a barrage of 20mm cannon fire, hits registering on Devayya’s aircraft. Believing Devayya’s plane was doomed, Hussain broke off the engagement.
Bravery Redefined: Devayya's Last Stand
What happened next cemented Squadron Leader Devayya's place in the annals of military heroism. Despite taking significant damage, Devayya’s Mystere remained airborne and, incredibly, combat-ready. As military analyst Arjit Ghosh notes, Devayya faced a critical juncture. [^5] He could have chosen to evade the Starfighter and attempt to return to base, though with a damaged aircraft and dwindling fuel, the odds were slim. Or, he could turn and face the superior F-104.
In a decision that epitomizes courage and selflessness, Devayya chose to engage. He maneuvered his damaged Mystere, once again positioning himself behind Hussain’s Starfighter. Hussain, initially believing he was facing another Mystere, climbed to 7,000 feet and then descended rapidly to re-engage. It was then he realized he was locked in combat with the same, incredibly tenacious Mystere pilot.
The dogfight raged on. Hussain, in his attempts to shake off the Mystere, made a critical error: he reduced his speed to gain a better firing position. Devayya, seizing this opportunity, unleashed a decisive burst from his two 30mm DEFA cannons. The cannon fire struck home, jamming Hussain’s lift controls. With his aircraft crippled, Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain was forced to eject.
Meanwhile, farmers in the village of Kot Naka, south of Pindi Bhattian, witnessed the aerial duel unfold above them. They watched in stunned silence as two aircraft spiraled downwards. One pilot ejected safely, but the other aircraft plunged across the Jang canal. Its pilot ejected at the last moment, but it was too late. Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya had made the ultimate sacrifice. His body, recovered near the wreckage, was respectfully buried by the local villagers. The circumstances of his final moments remain shrouded in mystery. Whether he succumbed to injuries in the air, lost control of his damaged aircraft, or attempted a low-altitude ejection, one thing is certain: Squadron Leader Devayya fought to his last breath.
Honouring the Unsung: Posthumous Recognition
In the immediate aftermath of the Sargodha raid, Squadron Leader Devayya was listed as missing in action. With no further information forthcoming, he was declared dead seven years later. His extraordinary act of valor might have remained unknown to the world were it not for British journalist John Fricker’s 1979 book, "Battle for Pakistan: The Air War of 1965." In it, Fricker recounted Amjad Hussain’s admission of being shot down by a Mystere near Sargodha on September 7, 1965.
Wing Commander O.P. Taneja, upon reading Fricker’s account in 1980, initiated a campaign to recognize Devayya’s heroism. He wrote to the then Air Chief Marshal Idris Latif, advocating for a posthumous Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest gallantry award. Air Commodore Pritam Singh further investigated the case in 1987. Finally, after 23 years of obscurity, Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra on April 23, 1988. His wife, Sundari Devayya, received the honour from President R. Venkataraman.
Ironically, Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain was also awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat, Pakistan's third-highest military award, for his actions in the same aerial engagement. Even today, Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya rests in an unmarked grave in a Pakistani farmer's field, a poignant symbol of sacrifice and unsung heroism.
Legacy of Valour: Inspiring Generations
Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya’s story is more than just a war anecdote; it is a powerful narrative of courage, determination, and self-sacrifice. His decision to engage a superior enemy aircraft, despite being critically wounded, exemplifies the highest ideals of military service. His valor, initially unrecognized, eventually came to light, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and celebrating even the seemingly ‘lost’ acts of heroism.
In contemporary times, Squadron Leader Devayya’s story continues to resonate. A Bollywood film, "Sky Force," draws inspiration from his life and the events of the 1965 war, bringing his bravery to a wider audience. [^6] Actor Veer Pahariya portrays Squadron Leader Devayya, ensuring his legacy reaches a new generation.
Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya's saga serves as a potent reminder of the human element in warfare. It underscores the extraordinary courage displayed by individuals amidst conflict and the enduring need to remember and honour their sacrifices. His story, though rooted in the past, holds timeless lessons of valor, duty, and the indomitable spirit of a warrior who, against all odds, chose to fight for his nation. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the price of freedom and the exceptional individuals who safeguard it.
References
[^1]: Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (n.d.). Operation Gibraltar. Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved from
[^2]: Air Force Association. (n.d.). Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya, MVC. Indian Air Force Heroes. Retrieved from
[^3]: Tufail, K. (2016). Great Air Battles of the Pakistan Air Force. Fauji Foundation Press.
[^4]: Fricker, J. (1979). Battle for Pakistan: The Air War of 1965. Ian Allan.
[^5]: Ghosh, Arjit. (2023, December 8). Air Force Pilot's Heroics That Remained Unknown For Years. NDTV Blogs.
[^6]: Bollywood Hungama. (2024, December 5). Veer Pahariya to play Air Force officer in Sky Force, film to showcase untold stories of courage from the Indo-Pak war of 1965.
Note
This article is intended for informational purposes and is based on publicly available information regarding Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya and the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and present a balanced perspective, historical accounts can sometimes vary, and further research may offer additional insights or nuances. This article aims to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya and highlight the historical context of the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. It is not intended to endorse any particular political or military viewpoint, nor does it claim to be an exhaustive historical analysis. Readers are encouraged to consult the cited sources and conduct their own further research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the events and individuals discussed.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, the content is generated with the assistance of AI and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. Information may also become outdated over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for actions taken or decisions made based on the information presented in this blog post.
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