Service No : 4893 F(P)

Date of Birth : July 15, 1930

Place of birth : Ambala(Haryana)

Last Rank : Sqn Ldr

Unit : 26 Sqn AF

Arm/Regt : Air Force

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1971

Awards : Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : December 7, 1971

Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh VrC

Squadron Leader Jiwa Singh, a distinguished fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF), was born on 15 July 1930 in Ambala district of Haryana. He was the son of Shri Tega Singh and displayed a keen interest in serving the nation from a young age. Initially, he joined the IAF as an airman, but his dedication and potential saw him rise through the ranks. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 16 April 1955, at the age of 24, after completing his training. Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh underwent rigorous training as part of the 65th Pilots’ Course, becoming a fighter pilot. Over the years, he honed his skills in air combat and various operational roles, serving with different flying squadrons across IAF bases. His journey from being an airman to becoming a Squadron Leader was a testament to his exceptional abilities, hard work, and commitment to the service of the nation.

 

By 1966, Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh had amassed 11 years of experience in the IAF and had earned the rank of Squadron Leader. He was recognized as a professionally adept and skilled fighter pilot, proficient in executing complex air operations. That same year, he was posted to the Flying Instructors School at Tambaram, where he trained young pilots as a flying instructor, imparting his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of aviators. After completing his tenure as an instructor, Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh was posted to No. 26 Squadron, based at Air Force Station Adampur. Known as "Warriors," 26 Squadron was an operational unit equipped with fighter aircraft and was actively engaged in safeguarding Indian airspace. Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh's posting to such an important squadron underscored his reputation as a capable and reliable officer.

 

Offensive Air Operation (Indo-Pak War) : 07 Dec 1971

 

During 1971, Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh was serving with 26 Sqn, known as “Warriors” and was based at Air Force Station Adampur. No. 26 Sqn, AF was formed under the command of Wg Cdr MM Singh, on 1st of Jan 1968 at Adampur. It was the first Squadron in the IAF to be equipped with the indomitable SU-7 aircraft. Until 1971, the squadron was a type-training squadron, helping other squadrons to convert to the Su-7. As the war broke out on 03 Dec 1971 with Pakistan, the Squadron with Wing Commander Ram Krishna Batra as its commanding officer undertook various offensive air missions. The Squadron played an active role in the war with the primary role of flying Close Air Support (CAS) missions with 8 Tactical Air Command (TAC). It also flew several sorties with 6 TAC. Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh was tasked to undertake one such operation on 07 Dec 1971. The operation was a two aircraft mission to provide close air support to army operations in Chhamb area. 

 

On 7 December 1971, Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh in his Sukhoi-7 (B-902) took off as planned for the mission from Adampur. He was leading a two-aircraft close air support mission over Chhamb. As the target area was important for the enemy, it was heavily defended by the anti-aircraft guns and air defence aircraft as well. Despite the threat of enemy air  defence assets, Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh and his comrade went for the attack.  Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh led the formation to search and strike enemy tanks and troops which were engaging our ground forces. He successfully located the hidden tank positions and pressed home his attacks even though his section was encircled by four enemy aircraft. Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh successfully engaged an enemy F-104 in an aerial combat so that his No. 2 could get away to safety. However while doing so, his aircraft was shot at low level and suffered serous damage. Eventually the aircraft crashed and Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh went down with the aircraft and was martyred.

 

Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh was was a valiant soldier and committed air warrior, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” on 26 Jan 1972 for his outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. 

 

Sqn Ldr Jiwa Singh is survived by his daughters Smt Amrita Singh and Smt Gitanjali Gupta.

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10 Comments
  • Narinderpal Singh

    2021 at 2:09 pm Reply

    The act of bravery by Jiwa Singh in 1965 war is totally forgotton. He was awarded Vr chakra for the same. Hope it will be remembered in future. Thanks.

  • Jaswinder Singh

    2021 at 2:10 pm Reply

    I appreciate your endeavor to memorize the brave soldiers.
    Please mention the bravery of Jiva Singh during 1965 indo-Pak war also for which he was awarded vir chakra.

    • Amrita Singh

      2021 at 12:20 pm

      As the older daughter of the valiant Sq. Ldr. Jiwa Singh, who we lost in the ‘71 war, I would appreciate the honour of being able to read my name here too.
      Respectfully,
      Amrita Singh

    • Honourpoint

      2021 at 11:51 am

      As per Gazette of India , 17th June 1972 – No.79 – Pres/72 dated 1st June 1972, he was awarded Vir Chakra for his gallantry in 1971 war. Please share additional details of the martyr if you have, to make his profile more comprehensive. Jai Hind.

  • D singh

    2022 at 3:28 pm Reply

    Please intimate present address and name of the next of kin of the martyr to honour her/him.

  • Jatinder Jassar

    2022 at 9:23 am Reply

    I am releative of jiva singh i want know about jiva singh and i want meet his daughter.s if anbody have any contact then please tell me8146874668

  • Chandan Kotwal

    2022 at 12:27 am Reply

    It was a honour to read the tributes paid to a brave father by her daughter Gitanjali , it was very moving for me as my father too served in the IAF . Brave hearts like Sqd Ldr Jawa Singh ji will always remain immortal and in our thoughts for the sacrifices they have made for the country . Their brave actions fill our hearts with pride and honour . I do often think about the tough emotions that the families of the martyrs have to face and carry on with their lives . My salutations to all of them . I often hope & pray that the families of the martyrs is given full support by the Defence organisations and the Government of India . If Gitanjali or Amrita support any Defence forces charity then I would request them to send me the details of these as I would like to support them in any way possible as a small humble gesture of respect for the sacrifices our soldiers , airmen and sailors make for mother India .
    Jai Hind

  • Radha Rammohan

    2022 at 8:23 pm Reply

    Jai Hind

  • Arvinder Singh Sethi

    2022 at 12:02 am Reply

    Salute to our Braveheart son of India who sacrificed his life for the country.You are an inspiration for all of us Sir.
    Jai Hind

  • P. D. Sivaraman

    2022 at 7:58 am Reply

    Great Warrior

    Jai Hind

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