AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 4 – War Diary CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 65 of 237 we all cried together. Alan left consoling, “He will come back. Be brave.” But we were just numb. On the 16th, we returned to camp with mixed feelings. We hugged each other in relief, but our hearts were heavy for our dear friends who were bereaved and alone. On Victory Day we offered a minute’s silent salute to the brave heroes who laid down their lives to preserve our freedom. After the Simla Pact was signed, and peace declared, the base crawled back to normalcy. Life returned to normalcy soon we were allotted a house right next to the CO, Alan D’Costa and Rose. Officers returned to their bases while two squadrons at Halwara continued to keep vigil over the skies. Even today we are in touch with all these friends, and recall those dark yet memorable days of camaraderie and bonding! Bio data of Wg Cdr P K Ayre C ommissioned as a fighter pilot in 1963. Flown most of the fighter aircraft in the early years that include Vampire, Toofani, Mystere, Marut and Su7. Fought both the 1965 and 1971 Indo Pak Wars flying the Mystere and Su7 respectively. Commanded a SAM 3 Sqn (Pechora). Retired from the AF after 25 years and joined Vayudoot. Thereafter joined the TVS Motor Company as an executive pilot where he served for 11 years before retiring as its Vice President Aviation. His hobbies include playing the harmonica.