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D.F.C. (Distinguished Flying Cross)

Date of death: 22 July, 1918

Age at death: 19

Cause of death: killed in action when his plane when down in flames over Carvin during a dogfight

Place of burial: Estevelles Communal Cemetery, France

‘To obtain his commission he left no stone unturned. He was at first rejected for defective eyesight, but, refusing to abide by this decision, he obtained two other opinions, one from the leading oculist of the day, at his own expense, selling his motor-bicycle for the purpose, and was ultimately accepted. From the time he came to the Squadron his one aim in life was to shoot down Huns, and through his skill as a pilot and wonderful’ dash he succeeded in bringing down nine enemy machined. … He was the first Indian to be awarded the D.F.C.’ Pauline Magazine

‘A very gallant and determined officer, who in thirteen days accounted for nine enemy machines. In these several engagements he has displayed remarkable skill and daring, on more than one occasion accounting for two machines in one patrol.’ Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918