Panther Red One: The Memoirs of a Fighter Pilot

by Air Marshal S. Raghavendran

Air Marshal S. Raghavendran was a member of the small group of future fighter pilots who joined the Indian Air Force in 1947 -- the year of independence from Great Britain. During his forty one year career in the IAF, he flew in two wars, was a commander of squadrons and air force stations, and ultimately rose to be Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force before retiring in 1988.This book of memoirs covers the period from 1930 to 1971 -- an extraordinary time in Indian history. He was a participant in, and eyewitness to, some of the great cultural and social changes in India. And of course he was a young fighter pilot at a time of great hope and adventure in India.The book is not ghost written and is presented in unvarnished form. The Air Marshal has a unique and captivating authorial voice, as readers will discover.The title of the book is the Air Marshal's call signal during the 1965 war with Pakistan.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Rupin Chaudhry]

This is the story of an illustrious career in the Indian Air force from 1930 to 1971. The book should be seen not as a biography or memoir but as the birth development of the force. As one reads one comes across pivotal points in the history of India and its air force in general. The readers, especially born in 80s, will also witness the formative years of the young officers who would be at the helm of IAF's affairs in the next millenium.
A wonderful nostalgic read.

[Somesh Sharma]

All the aspirants wishes to join INDIAN AIR FORCE must read this.

A wonderful narration of incidents of author's personal and professional life. A blend of service, duty, responsibility, friendship, wars and of course fun...