Born on December 7, 1933, Air Marshal Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC was a highly regarded officer in the Indian Air Force and a widely recognized hero of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. He was commissioned into the IAF on November 6, 1954, and was born in Lucknow. He was awarded the Vir Chakra in the war of 1965 for taking down a Pakistani Sabre jet while in command of a mission.
By using a divide and conquer tactic, the British left a lasting mark on Indian history and caused the country to split into India and Pakistan in 1947.
Since then, there have been multiple wars and territorial disputes between India and Pakistan, resulting in a turbulent relationship.
One such conflict was the one in 1965 between the two nations over the Kashmir region, which resulted in a ceasefire mediated by the UN. The war was finally won by India.
The cause? The valiant, devoted, and powerful Indian soldiers, who bravely and resolutely defended their nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor was one such commando who shot down a Pakistani Sabre during the war in 1965. In aerial combat, he and his brother Trevor downed Pakistan Air Force Sabres, winning them both the Vir Chakra.
Who was Air Marshal Denzil Keelor?
Hero of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War was Indian Air Force air officer Air Marshal Denzil Keelor.
A turning point in the war came when he and his brother, Wing Commander Trevor Keelor, shot down a Pakistani Sabre aircraft. They both received the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest military decoration, for their valor and combat prowess.
Numerous honors were given to Keelor, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra, and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
He tragically died on August 28, 2024, at the age of 90, leaving a brave and devoted legacy to his nation. The Indian Air Force will always remember and honor his contributions.
Denzil Keelor: Military Career, Awards, and Achievements
As was already mentioned, Denzil Keelor received a number of noteworthy honors, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
Vir Chakra
Brave Air Marshal Denzil Keelor escorted Mystere aircraft on September 19, 1965, during a strike mission against Pakistan with fighter aircraft.
In a combat fought at less than 2000 feet, where anti-aircraft guns were also in operation, his section of four Gnat aircraft engaged four enemy Sabre jets. His sub-section leader shot down a Sabre jet under his command, and Keelor engaged another, crippling it.
He embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force, inspiring both his pilots and ground crew with his extraordinary bravery and commitment to duty throughout the operation. He executed a safe landing back at his airbase following the engagement. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for valor in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War as a result of his bravery.
Kirti Chakra
Similar to this, Group Captain Denzil Keelor suffered injuries to his eyes, eardrum, and left arm on March 27, 1978, when his aircraft canopy detached while he was flying a MiG-21 FL at a high altitude. He was exposed to explosive decompression and strong wind blast.
He made the decision to recover the aircraft instead of abandoning it in spite of these circumstances. Despite the wind blast limiting his vision in one eye, he made it back to base and made an emergency landing.
A 23 mm shell exploded on May 17, 1978, during a live air-to-air sortie, resulting in complete electrical failure and significant damage. Keelor presumed engine failure in the absence of instruments and communication, and he made an emergency recovery attempt.
The throttle stuck at sixty percent, but he made a safe landing. Because of his extraordinary bravery, talent, and commitment, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his outstanding management of these crises.
Ati Vishist Seva Medal
Denzil Keelor served as air attaché and air commodore at the Indian Embassy in Paris, France, from 1980 to 1982. After serving in this capacity, he became the air officer commanding of the Maharajpur Air Force Station.
The Ati Vishist Seva Medal and the Param Vishist Seva Medal were given to Keelor in recognition of his outstanding service on January 26, 1986 and January 26, 1989, respectively.
He made major contributions to the Indian Air Force during his career, demonstrating his leadership and skill in a variety of roles.
