Air Chief Marshal

Lakshman Madhav Katre

PVSM, AVSM **
Born10 March 1926
Gurdaspur district Punjab
Died30 June 1985(1985-06-30) (aged 59)
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Allegiance British India (1946–1947)
 India (from 1947)
Service/branch Royal Indian Air Force
 Indian Air Force
Years of service1946–1985
RankAir Chief Marshal
AwardsParam Vishist Seva Medal
Ati Vishist Seva Medal

Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Katre, PVSM, AVSM and Bar (1926–1985) was the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF) from 1984 to 1985, as Chief of the Air Staff and the second IAF Chief of Staff to die in harness. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Bar.[1][2] He completed his schooling from The Doon School, Dehradun, India.[3] In his career in the lAF, he commanded with distinction squadrons, stations and the Air Force Academy. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he successfully conducted uninterrupted operations from one of the most forward airfields, which was regularly attacked by the Pakistan Air Force. This was due to his meticulous planning.

As the Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he expanded the facilities to cater for the training of ground duty officers. Flying activity at the base was successfully reoriented for advance training on jet aircraft and a safety record was achieved during his tenure. On completion of a Royal College of Defence Studies course in England in 1976, he was appointed Senior Air Staff officer of a major air command. Under his direction, the operational effectiveness of the forces in the command increased greatly. With his wide experience of fighter flying, he was able to conduct various air exercises which simulated realistic battle conditions.

He died suddenly while still serving, on 1 July 1985.

The Katre House in The Air Force School ( Subroto Park) was named after him.

Military honours and awards

Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal General Service Medal
Samar Seva Star Paschimi Star Raksha Medal Sangram Medal
Sainya Seva Medal Videsh Seva Medal Indian Independence Medal 25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal War Medal 1939–1945

References

  1. ↑ "Indian Air Force Gallantry & Service Awards Register [www.bharat-rakshak.com]". Bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Indian Air Force :: Lakshman Mohan Katre". Bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  3. ↑ Hindu, The (15 April 2011). "LM Katre Memorial Lecture". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
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