Tribute to Flight Lt Alfred Cooke and the 1965 Kalaikunda Dogfight
· India · Hindustan Times, The Hindu
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a decorated veteran of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, passed away on Friday in New Delhi at the age of 87. Awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry, Cooke was immortalized in Indian military history for his role in the Kalaikunda dogfight over West Bengal. On September 7, 1965, he and wingman Flying Officer Subodh Chandra Mamgain intercepted Pakistani F-86 Sabre jets during a surprise raid on the Kalaikunda air station near Kharagpur. Outnumbered one to four, Cooke engaged enemy fighters in a high-speed duel, shooting down one Sabre and damaging two others before running out of ammunition. The Indian Air Force paid tribute to his aggressive combat mastery and unwavering resolve following his passing in New Delhi.
Why it matters
The passing of Flight Lieutenant Cooke marks the loss of a legendary figure in Indian military history, honoring the valor of the Indian Air Force during the 1965 war.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.