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There can be no better illustration of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa’s sterling character, iron discipline, integrity and forthright views when his 27-year-old son, Flt Lt K.C. Cariappa’s Hunter aircraft was shot down while flying missions out of Halwara during in 1965 War.
He ejected and parachuted into a small area near Khem Karan that had been occupied by Pakistan. Seven Indian Air Force officers including him were taken Prisoners of War during the 1965 war.+
He ejected and parachuted into a small area near Khem Karan that had been occupied by Pakistan. Seven Indian Air Force officers including him were taken Prisoners of War during the 1965 war.+
During interrogation, Junior Cariappa only revealed his name, rank and unit. He recounted:
“It happened on the last day of the conflict. I ejected out of my aircraft and parachuted into a small area near Khem Karan in Punjab that had been occupied by Pakistan, and was taken POW. Once you are taken as a POW and when you are questioned by the enemy personnel you are expected to divulge only three things: your name, rank and service number. This is the standard procedure. When they captured me, they asked me for these three things and I divulged them, I was then a Flight Lieutenant in service for 7-8 years. The information I had was as good as anybody else did. I did not know much and they too seemed to be aware of it. Yet they asked me questions like who are your batchmates; who are your senior officers.”
However, an hour later, jail guards rushed into his cell to inquire whether he was the son of General K.M. Cariappa.+
“It happened on the last day of the conflict. I ejected out of my aircraft and parachuted into a small area near Khem Karan in Punjab that had been occupied by Pakistan, and was taken POW. Once you are taken as a POW and when you are questioned by the enemy personnel you are expected to divulge only three things: your name, rank and service number. This is the standard procedure. When they captured me, they asked me for these three things and I divulged them, I was then a Flight Lieutenant in service for 7-8 years. The information I had was as good as anybody else did. I did not know much and they too seemed to be aware of it. Yet they asked me questions like who are your batchmates; who are your senior officers.”
However, an hour later, jail guards rushed into his cell to inquire whether he was the son of General K.M. Cariappa.+
When he confirmed, President Ayub Khan having a personal bond with General Cariappa, announced on the Radio Pakistan that Flt Lt K.C. Cariappa had been captured by his forces and that he was doing well.+
Within an hour the High Commisioner of Pakistan in Delhi spoke to General Cariappa, with a message from President Ayub Khan. The President offered to release his son forthwith and reiterated that he was being well looked after.+
But General Cariappa declined this offer. The reply was very typical of him:
“They are all my sons, look after all of them.” The news of his son’s capture left him distraught and despite of people calling to express the sorrow he gathered and maintained himself.
Later, Flt Lt K.C. Cariappa was repatriated with other Indian Air Force Prisoners of War on 22 January 1966.
“They are all my sons, look after all of them.” The news of his son’s capture left him distraught and despite of people calling to express the sorrow he gathered and maintained himself.
Later, Flt Lt K.C. Cariappa was repatriated with other Indian Air Force Prisoners of War on 22 January 1966.
(Ignore the typos 🤦♀️ Apologies)
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