Recounting the heroics of a gallant pilot during the 1965 war

True soldiers fight not because they hate what is in front of them, but because they love what is behind him. Air Commodore Najeeb Khan had no shortage of devotion for Pakistan and possessed the aviation skills to ensure that he could, like many sons of the soil, fight for the safety of the nation in times of peril. His unflinching courage and resolve was thoroughly put to the test in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, wherein he commanded the number seven squadron, stationed at Mauripur. The squadron under his brilliant leadership participated in 17 strike missions deep inside enemy territory.

The most crucial and memorable of these missions occoured on the night of September 12, when Najeeb was detailed to lead a two-ship formation of B-57 bomber aircrafts to strike Ambala base. The base lay deep inside enemy territory and was one of the most heavily defended of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The formation was tasked to attack Ambala an hour past midnight. The bombers took off, they realised that nothing was visible – the Indian cities, villages, bridges and other ground features that could be used to navigate were immersed in darkness. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant William D Jarney, the navigator, ensured that he meticulously guided Najeeb’s bomber to Ambala. Behind them was the second bomber, piloted by Wing Commander Nazir and Squadron Leader Aurangzeb Khan as his navigator.  The aircrafts were strictly maintaining a complete radio-silence and in such poor visibility conditions, the mission had become more challenging for the navigators of the formation.

On reaching the initial point near the base Najeeb started to descend through the thick layer of haze. As they appeared close, Najeeb carried out the bombing checks and removed safety switches. All that remained was to open the bomb doors and press the firing button. While performing the final checks, all the tales about Ambala’s strong defences and its preparedness started to buzz his mind. Keeping faith in Allah, he disregarded these thoughts, got ready for the ordeal and went in for a run.

He looked down to pick up a visual of the target but failed to make out anything due to the complete blackout. As Najeeb pulled up for the attack, the sky suddenly became alight with tracers and shell-bursts. The base had begun firing at them with anti-aircraft guns. The devastating attack filled Najeeb’s with flashing lights. Despite this, his hands moved to the controls and he instantaneously dived into the deadly focus of fire. Racked and rocked, the formidable Bomber carried on.

Through this sparkling web of concentrated fire, Najeeb could make out the aircraft hangars silhouetted against the dim moon light. He pressed the bomb release switch and four thousand-pounders jerked out of the bay tumbling down into the darkness below. With all the fire-works around, the formation pulled up for the second run to ensure the complete destruction of the airfield.The second run was no different from the first. After the bombing run, Harney calculated fuel and gave heading to return. They knew that they had a long way to go and were running low on fuel. By the time the formation exited, the fires at the base presented quite an impressive spectacle. Deeply satisfied with the results, they returned home safely.

After the success of opening round, Najeeb participated in numerous bombing missions and achieved outstanding results. He remained a source of motivation for the bomber crew and led them with courage and honour during 1965 War.