No. 6 Squadron (India)

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No. 6 Squadron, Indian Air Force (Dragons), raised before Independence, is not only one of the ten senior squadrons of the Indian Air Force, but has probably the most varied history among them.

Formed at Trichinopoly (now Tiruchirapally) on 1st December 1942 under the command of the redoubtable Squadron Leader (later Air Commodore) Mehar Singh as a a fighter-reconnaissance unit, its varied roles have included air-sea rescue, counter-air, fighter-reconnaissance, maritime reconnaissance, maritime strike, target towing and transport. It participated in the Indian Air Force’s tenth anniversary review at Ambala, and received an award for "the best looking aircraft". The squadron continued working-up, until November that year.

In November 1943, No 6 Squadron IAF moved to Cox's Bazar as a part of RAF Third Tactical Air Force (Third TAF), for the Second Arakan Campaign. During this campaign, No 6 Squadron was the only specialist reconnaissance unit available to support and the Fourteenth Army, on this front, earning the name - "The Eyes of the Fourteenth Army". They were also dubbed "the Arakan Twins" for flying in the approved Tac/R pairing of Leader and Weaver. Returning from his Arakan Front visit in mid-January 1944, General Sir William (later Field Marshal Lord) Slim, GOC Fourteenth Army, wrote in his memoirs he makes a point of saying how impressed he was with this reconnaissance squadron.

For services during the squadron's tour of operations, Flight-Lieutenant Rawal Singh was awarded the MBE, and Sergeant BM Kothari, the head of the photographic section, received the British Empire Medal. In addition, Flying Officer (later Air Commodore) JD Aquino and Pilot Officer (later Wing Commander) LRD Blunt were commended by the AOC.

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• No. 6 Squadron from Bharat-Rakshak

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