Latest Updates from the world of philately
APS Cover Jul 2019 – 8 Mountain Division & Kargil Vijay Diwas
APS Cover issued on 26 Jul 2019 to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas under the aegis of 8 Mountain Division. The Cover Features the Four Param Vir Chakra awardees in the Kargil OP VIJAY.
APS Cover Ser No 26/19
APS Cover Dec 2018 – Bicentenary of Nasirabad Cantonment
APS Cover issued on 27 Dec 2018 to mark Bicentenary of Nasirabad Cantonment. Sir David Ochterlony founded the present Military Garrison of Nasirabad in 1818. It was named Nasirabad after Sir David was conferred with the title of “Nasir-ud-Daula”. The Rajputana Rifles, Grenadiers and The Poona Horse were first to come and occupy the Cantonment. CQMH Abdul Hamid Param Vir Chakra went to 1965 War from Nasirabad.
APS Cover Ser No 39/18.
National Defence Academy – 64th Anniversary – 16 Jan 2019.
The National Defence Academy of India is a unique Military Academy and it is the First Tri-Service Academy in the World. At this Joint Services Academy of the Indian Armed Forces cadets of the three Services the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before their pre-commissioning training at respective Academies.
The Alumni include three Param Vir Chakra recipients and 12 Ashoka Chakra recipients. NDA has produced 30 Service Chiefs till date.
NDA was formally inaugurated on 16 Jan 1955 and it celebrates its 64th Anniversary.
Indian Air Force – 86th Anniversary
Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 86th Anniversary on 08 Oct 2018.
IAF was raised as an auxiliary Air Force of the Royal Air Force in British India.Some milestones in its 86 Year old history.
On 01 April 1933 the No 1 Squadron was commissioned with Five Indian Pilots andFour Westland Wapiti Biplanes . The squadron was led by British RAF Commanding officer Flight Lieutenant (laterAir Vice Marshal ) Cecil Bouchier.
During World War II it saw action in Burma & Thailand against Japanese and IAF Pilots took part in operations in Europe. It was conferred the Prefix “Royal” by King George VI for its service. This was later dropped after India became a Republic.
Operations Post Independence
Marshal of the Air Force – Arjan Singh DFC (15 Apr 1999 -16 Sep 2017). He was son of a Dafadar of Hudson’s Horse. Arjan Singh commanded No 1 Air Squadron as acting Squadron Leader in 1943 and later on in 1944 took part in Arakan Campaign where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).He became the First IAF officer to be promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in 1966. He was Chief of Air Staff from 01 Aug 1964 to 15 July 1969. He was awarded the Padma Vibhusan in 1966.He was promoted to Five star Rank of Marshal of Indian Air Force equivalent to a Field Marshal on 26 Jan 2002.
Flying officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon , PVC . ( 17 July 1943 – 14 Dec 1971)
He was commissioned into Indian Air Force on 04 jun 1967 as Pilot Officer. He was son of a MWO (Hony) Flight Lieutenant Tarlok Singh Sekhon. He was serving with 18 Squadron during 1971 War. He was bestowed the Nation’s highest wartime gallantry award Param Vir Chakra(Posthumous) for his heroic action for defence of Srinagar Airfield on 14 Dec 1971.
There are numerous stories of bravery and valour in the annals of IAF history. We pay a Philatelic Salute to the spirit of Air Warriors of IAF in service to the Nation. A few stamps issued on Indian Air Force are Listed.
APS Cover Jan 2018 -Golden Jubilee 14th Battalion Brigade of Guards.
The Battalion was raised as 32 Guards on 13 Jan 1968. It saw action in 1971 War and Lance Naik Albert Ekka was honoured with Param Vir Chakra in 1971 and Battalion was awarded Battle Honour “Gangasagar”.
APS cover was issued on 12 Jan 2018 to mark Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
APS Cover Ser No 1/18
