Alfred Tyrone Cooke, 1965 War Hero and Vir Chakra Awardee, Dies

Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a highly decorated veteran of Indian Air Force and a hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, passed away on Friday in Base Hospital, New Delhi. The IAF celebrated the achievements of the Vir Chakra awardee and recalled his bravery shown in a very tough aerial battle above Kalaikunda, West Bengal. It was on September 7, 1965 that Cooke was awarded the honour for his performance in this particular engagement when he, along with his wingman, faced a large force of Pakistan Air Force.

Who Was Alfred Tyrone Cooke?

Alfred Tyrone Cooke was a flight lieutenant in the Indian Air Force who fought in combat operations in the 1965 war and received the Vir Chakra for this feat.
IAF described him as a war hero whose brave deeds in the conflict are remembered as part of military aviation history of India.

After retirement from the Indian Air Force, Cooke moved to Australia. He visited India to take part in some event arranged by his unit – 14 Squadron.

What Took Place during the Kalaikunda Dogfight?

The one major incident that has been linked to Cooke’s service in the armed forces occurred at Kalaikunda in the state of West Bengal on September 7, 1965.

Cooke was on combat air patrol with a fellow pilot in a Hawker Hunter aircraft. While the Pakistani Air Force carried out its second attack on the airfield, Cooke and his comrade, Flying Officer Subodh Chandra Mamgain, were forced to engage a supposedly three times stronger force than theirs.

Even as they were hugely outnumbered, Cooke and Mamgain took part in the fight, during which Cooke was said to have brought down a Pakistan Air Force Sabre jet, according to the citation of his gallantry award.

The IAF referred to the incident as Cooke’s “legendary dogfight over Kalaikunda.”

Why Did Cooke Get the Vir Chakra?

Cooke got the Vir Chakra for his deeds in the Kalaikunda air battle. The citation of his honor acknowledged his conspicuous gallantry, tactical acumen, and indifference towards his own safety during the battle.

The battle was important not only because of Cooke’s performance, but also in terms of air operations in general in the eastern sector of the 1965 war.

IAF Condolences to the War Veteran

In the wake of Cooke’s demise, the Indian Air Force offered their condolences, paying tribute to him for his contribution in the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

The IAF commended his bravery shown in the Kalaikunda battle and said that his legacy would go on to inspire generations of Air Warriors. His death also brings to light the role played by the combat pilots in India’s air operations in 1965.