Former Indian Air Force officer and Vir Chakra awardee Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke died on Friday at a hospital in New Delhi at the age of 87. Cooke, who had been living in Australia since 1969, had returned to India to attend an event organised by his former squadron.
Cooke is remembered for his remarkable aerial combat during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, particularly a dogfight over Kalaikunda in West Bengal on September 7, 1965.
At around 10:30 am that day, Cooke was flying at about 20,000 feet on his third sortie when he was informed that Kalaikunda airfield was under attack. With enough fuel to return, he turned his Hawker Hunter back towards the airfield and joined the battle.
According to his Vir Chakra citation, six Pakistani Sabre aircraft were attacking Kalaikunda. Cooke led the interception despite coming under fire from his own anti-aircraft units. During the engagement, he shot down one Sabre, which broke apart in mid-air. He then pursued another aircraft even after running out of ammunition.
Cooke later recalled the encounter in an interview in 2015, describing how closely he had followed one of the Pakistani aircraft before it exploded. The pilot was identified as Flight Lieutenant Afzal Khan of the Pakistan Air Force, who was killed in the crash. Historical accounts have differed over the number of Pakistani aircraft damaged or destroyed during the engagement.
Cooke's wingman, Flying Officer SC Mamgain, also received the Vir Chakra for his role in the same action.
After the battle, Cooke returned with a damaged aircraft and very little fuel. His engine stopped before he could park the aircraft. Ground crew members helped him safely out of the Hunter.
Born into an Anglo-Indian family, Cooke studied at La Martiniere College in Lucknow, where he was a resident scholar. He joined the Indian Air Force on December 19, 1961, and served with No. 14 Squadron at Kalaikunda, flying Hawker Hunter aircraft. He left the IAF in December 1968 after seven years of service.
The Indian Air Force remembered Cooke for his wartime service and described his Kalaikunda dogfight as an example of aerial combat and determination. He had been awarded the Vir Chakra for his gallantry during the 1965 conflict.
La Martiniere College also expressed grief over his death and lowered its flag to half-mast. Cooke's contribution to the 1965 war remains part of the history of the Indian Air Force and the Kalaikunda battle.
Reader Comments 0