UNIT CREST AND MOTTO
One Zero Nine was awarded a crest, with a motto ‘APATSU MITRAM’. The motto means ‘a friend to those in distress’. The unit insignia signifies the embodiment of service on land, sea and in air, with the rotors trisecting the crest depicting the prominence of helicopter in all three areas. The mountains in the background signify the area where helicopters are the only aircraft which can been used in a variety of roles.
The Path to Glory is always tough,
The Knights know it well enough,
Cause we’ve been on it, so to speak,
And we’re still looking for a Greater Peak.
Introduction: Birth of a Colossus
One Zero Nine Helicopter Unit - The unit that would house a succession of gallant Knights, the unit that would prove its mettle in no uncertain manner from the hazardous operations in the Siachen to the treacherous operations in Srilanka, the unit that would come to epitomize selfless dedication and outstanding courage, the unit that was destined to be the Best Helicopter Unit in the Indian Air Force – came into being on the Twenty Sixth day of August of the year Nineteen Hundred and Sixty One.
Year 1962 – the Chinese Aggression
The fledgling unit was entrusted with heavy responsibility right from the word go. The year 1962 found the unit maintaining a two aircraft detachment under HQ EAC. Extensive casualty evacuation and supply dropping missions were undertaken in the Spiti valley. Braving the rigorous of weather and terrain alike, the unit pressed on relentless in its task. Overnight, the fledgling had transformed directly into adulthood, skipping the intermediate stages of growing up.
Period 1963 – 1965 : Consolidation
During this period the unit was employed in multifarious roles in its effort for consolidation, which included among other things the tasks of flying for the Border Roads Development for the construction of mountain roads in the difficult terrain of the North East.
In Aug 63, Jagahri, a developing town in Western Uttar Pradesh, was ravaged by floods. The unit with its whirly birds in their new found role as Harbingers of Life, descended from the skies to bring relief to the distressed citizens.
In Jan 64 riots broke out in Srinagar. The unit, reacting with lightning speed, flew hordes of security men into sensitive areas in the valley and patrolled the skies keeping a hawk like vigil for signs of imminent trouble.
Even as all this was happening, the unit regularly took part in Republic Day fly pasts, in Delhi besides being ever ready to rush to the rescue of their comrades at arms in the Sugar Sector.
Year 1965 – Indo Pak War – First Blood
In the month of March 65, unit aircraft commenced operations from the ALG at Gujrat. Amidst difficult operating conditions for man and machine, border reconnaissance and casualty evacuation was carried out in the Rann of Kutch area. In Jul 65 massive air drop of food and supplied was carried out for marooned troops in the same area. On 15 Aug 65 a detachment of six helicopters was positioned at Jammu for operations, wherein they flew with distinction in the Pathankot and Chhamb-Jaurain sector. On 21 Aug 65 this detachment was moved from Jammu to Srinagar for the duration of the war where they were modified for bombing operations. During the operations the unit flew a total of 225 sorties in varied roles like bombing, strafing, casualty evacuation, supply dropping, reconnaissance and communication. One Zero Nine had made its first kill and established itself as a force to be reckoned with.
Period 1966 – 1971 : Mizo Operations
After the 1965 war, unwilling to throttle back and relax, the unit went into action again this time in the Eastern Sector. Four helicopters were flown to Mizoram in 1966 to take part in the Mizo Hills operations. The domain of One Zero Nine was phenomenal, as simultaneously a dett was being maintained at Jodhpur for operational commitments.
On 10 Apr 67 the unit moved from Chandigarh to Jammu leaving a detachment for operations in the Sugar sector. This unit proved beyond doubt that helicopters were effective force multipliers both in war and peace and thereby highlighted the ever increasing importance of the role of helicopters in any modern battle scenario.
Year 1971 – Indo-Pak Conflict : Running the Gauntlet
The inevitable happened in the first week of Dec. One Zero Nine not only rose to the occasion but surpassed all expectations and imagination. The heptrs of 109 HU were the first to land at Jaurian and lift out the first batch of casualties. The multifarious activities and feats of this unit can not be mentioned in just a few words.
The unit flew a total of 315 hours during the Ops, and lifted out a total of 468 casualties directly from the battle zones, under the enemy fire. The mementos presented to this unit stand silent yet eloquent testimonials of the gratitude and confidence reposed by the army to this unit.
We had completed a decade of our existence, an existence in which 109 had performed feats of exceptional bravery and honour, winning applause and acclaim from all. Customs had been set and traditions formed.
Period 1972 to 1974 (MI-4s to MI-8s)
As is inevitable after a major conflict, the gaps in the border security had to be plugged and sealed. One Zero Nine played a vital role by assisting the Army in their bid to reorganise and recoup. The need for having a larger special Heliborne Assault Force was felt and One Zero Nine, by virtue of its drive and impetus was selected for training the infantry units as a special heliborne assault force. Towards this effect the need for a higher performance aircraft was acknowledged and thus on 11 Jan 74 the unit was re-equipped with MI-8 helicopters.
Period 1975 – 1978 : Best Categorised Helicopter Unit
In Jan 75 a sudden earth quake hit certain areas of Himachal Pradesh. One Zero Nine – the angles of mercy – were once again airborne to bring relief to the areas despite bad weather. The unit was the proud recipient of the Best Categorised Helicopter Unit Trophy in 1978.
Period 1979 – 1984 : Move to Hindon – New Heights of Experience
15. Here the unit became very actively involved in participating in Army exercises for the SHBO role, air maintenance flood relief, aid to civil power and VVIP commitments, and once a heroic rescue of civilians from a towering inferno in New Delhi. The unit had the proud distinction of flying the presidents of Zambia, Maxico, Australia, Solomon Islands, Denmark and the crown Prince of Jordan on various occasions.
The Siachen Chapter
The unit now faced the ultimate challenge in one of the most unforgiving terrains in the world ‘The Siachen Glacier’. In Jun 81 the unit took up supply drops at DZs located at 5 km AMSL and above. The unit surpassed itself when, in Jun 84, the CO landed at 5.2 km, firmly establishing the MI-8 as the worlds most versatile helicopter. From Sep 84 onwards, the unit pilots were operating regularly over the Glacier. Landings were routinely carried out at apparently postage stamp sized helipads ranging from 4.5 kms to 5.2 kms.
Once again thrust into the role of a pioneer, this unit became a familiar sight over this vast waste land. Meanwhile tragedy struck at Bhopal in Dec 84 in the form of an all consuming gas leak. The unit was called upon once again to assume the role of angels of mercy.
After a year and a half in the Siachen area, during which time the word "Impossible" had ceased to exist, the task was handed over to the MI-17s closing yet another glorious chapter.
Year 1986 ‘Op Falcon’ : The Chinese Intrusion
In 1986, incidents of Chinese intrusion took place in the north eastern parts of the country. 109 again pioneered ‘OP FALCON’ under difficult conditions of terrain and weather, streamlining the operation and giving the impetus to sustain the army.
Year 1987 – Move to Sulur and Re-christening
The unit moved to Sulur on 04 Jun 87. Having had a glorious past with yeoman service and unparalleled track record, the unit now felt itself deserving of a suitable title and hence re-christened itself ‘THE KNIGHTS’.
The Srilankan Saga : Jaffna Episode
It was here that one of the biggest helicopter supported operations in history was launched. On the 10th, and 11th of Oct The Knight toiled all day and night positioning troops around Jaffna town despite orders to the LTTE cadres to shoot down all helicopters.
On the night of October the eleventh, a massive special Heliborne Operation was planned. The arm of the mission was to induct 120 Para Commandos and 400 troops of a Sikh Light Infantry Battalion right into the strong hold of the LTTE during the dark hours of the night. The helicopters were rendered vulnerable with low clouds down to 200 meters. As the first wave approached the target, the militants opened fire. Even at this critical juncture, the brave Knights were concentrating on their flying, looking for obstructions on approach. In spite of heavy ground fire from the LTTE, wave after wave of MI-8’s kept coming in, until most of the machines were rendered unfit for flying. What kept the men and machines ticking that night was nothing short of a miracle.
Due to the inaccessibility of the forward positions the MI-8s became the lifeline for the fighting troops. More than eighty sorties a day were flown down to dusk. In the coming days, the Knights put their noses to the grind and carried on flying.
No. 109 Helicopter Unit (THE KNIGHT)
Emblem: 109 HU
UNIT CREST AND MOTTO
One Zero Nine was awarded a crest, with a motto ‘APATSU MITRAM’. The motto means ‘a friend to those in distress’. The unit insignia signifies the embodiment of service on land, sea and in air, with the rotors trisecting the crest depicting the prominence of helicopter in all three areas. The mountains in the background signify the area where helicopters are the only aircraft which can been used in a variety of roles.
The Path to Glory is always tough,
The Knights know it well enough,
Cause we’ve been on it, so to speak,
And we’re still looking for a Greater Peak.
Introduction: Birth of a Colossus
One Zero Nine Helicopter Unit - The unit that would house a succession of gallant Knights, the unit that would prove its mettle in no uncertain manner from the hazardous operations in the Siachen to the treacherous operations in Srilanka, the unit that would come to epitomize selfless dedication and outstanding courage, the unit that was destined to be the Best Helicopter Unit in the Indian Air Force – came into being on the Twenty Sixth day of August of the year Nineteen Hundred and Sixty One.
Year 1962 – the Chinese Aggression
The fledgling unit was entrusted with heavy responsibility right from the word go. The year 1962 found the unit maintaining a two aircraft detachment under HQ EAC. Extensive casualty evacuation and supply dropping missions were undertaken in the Spiti valley. Braving the rigorous of weather and terrain alike, the unit pressed on relentless in its task. Overnight, the fledgling had transformed directly into adulthood, skipping the intermediate stages of growing up.
Period 1963 – 1965 : Consolidation
During this period the unit was employed in multifarious roles in its effort for consolidation, which included among other things the tasks of flying for the Border Roads Development for the construction of mountain roads in the difficult terrain of the North East.
In Aug 63, Jagahri, a developing town in Western Uttar Pradesh, was ravaged by floods. The unit with its whirly birds in their new found role as Harbingers of Life, descended from the skies to bring relief to the distressed citizens.
In Jan 64 riots broke out in Srinagar. The unit, reacting with lightning speed, flew hordes of security men into sensitive areas in the valley and patrolled the skies keeping a hawk like vigil for signs of imminent trouble.
Even as all this was happening, the unit regularly took part in Republic Day fly pasts, in Delhi besides being ever ready to rush to the rescue of their comrades at arms in the Sugar Sector.
Year 1965 – Indo Pak War – First Blood
In the month of March 65, unit aircraft commenced operations from the ALG at Gujrat. Amidst difficult operating conditions for man and machine, border reconnaissance and casualty evacuation was carried out in the Rann of Kutch area. In Jul 65 massive air drop of food and supplied was carried out for marooned troops in the same area. On 15 Aug 65 a detachment of six helicopters was positioned at Jammu for operations, wherein they flew with distinction in the Pathankot and Chhamb-Jaurain sector. On 21 Aug 65 this detachment was moved from Jammu to Srinagar for the duration of the war where they were modified for bombing operations. During the operations the unit flew a total of 225 sorties in varied roles like bombing, strafing, casualty evacuation, supply dropping, reconnaissance and communication. One Zero Nine had made its first kill and established itself as a force to be reckoned with.
Period 1966 – 1971 : Mizo Operations
After the 1965 war, unwilling to throttle back and relax, the unit went into action again this time in the Eastern Sector. Four helicopters were flown to Mizoram in 1966 to take part in the Mizo Hills operations. The domain of One Zero Nine was phenomenal, as simultaneously a dett was being maintained at Jodhpur for operational commitments.
On 10 Apr 67 the unit moved from Chandigarh to Jammu leaving a detachment for operations in the Sugar sector. This unit proved beyond doubt that helicopters were effective force multipliers both in war and peace and thereby highlighted the ever increasing importance of the role of helicopters in any modern battle scenario.
Year 1971 – Indo-Pak Conflict : Running the Gauntlet
The inevitable happened in the first week of Dec. One Zero Nine not only rose to the occasion but surpassed all expectations and imagination. The heptrs of 109 HU were the first to land at Jaurian and lift out the first batch of casualties. The multifarious activities and feats of this unit can not be mentioned in just a few words.
The unit flew a total of 315 hours during the Ops, and lifted out a total of 468 casualties directly from the battle zones, under the enemy fire. The mementos presented to this unit stand silent yet eloquent testimonials of the gratitude and confidence reposed by the army to this unit.
We had completed a decade of our existence, an existence in which 109 had performed feats of exceptional bravery and honour, winning applause and acclaim from all. Customs had been set and traditions formed.
Period 1972 to 1974 (MI-4s to MI-8s)
As is inevitable after a major conflict, the gaps in the border security had to be plugged and sealed. One Zero Nine played a vital role by assisting the Army in their bid to reorganise and recoup. The need for having a larger special Heliborne Assault Force was felt and One Zero Nine, by virtue of its drive and impetus was selected for training the infantry units as a special heliborne assault force. Towards this effect the need for a higher performance aircraft was acknowledged and thus on 11 Jan 74 the unit was re-equipped with MI-8 helicopters.
Period 1975 – 1978 : Best Categorised Helicopter Unit
In Jan 75 a sudden earth quake hit certain areas of Himachal Pradesh. One Zero Nine – the angles of mercy – were once again airborne to bring relief to the areas despite bad weather. The unit was the proud recipient of the Best Categorised Helicopter Unit Trophy in 1978.
Period 1979 – 1984 : Move to Hindon – New Heights of Experience
15. Here the unit became very actively involved in participating in Army exercises for the SHBO role, air maintenance flood relief, aid to civil power and VVIP commitments, and once a heroic rescue of civilians from a towering inferno in New Delhi. The unit had the proud distinction of flying the presidents of Zambia, Maxico, Australia, Solomon Islands, Denmark and the crown Prince of Jordan on various occasions.
The Siachen Chapter
The unit now faced the ultimate challenge in one of the most unforgiving terrains in the world ‘The Siachen Glacier’. In Jun 81 the unit took up supply drops at DZs located at 5 km AMSL and above. The unit surpassed itself when, in Jun 84, the CO landed at 5.2 km, firmly establishing the MI-8 as the worlds most versatile helicopter. From Sep 84 onwards, the unit pilots were operating regularly over the Glacier. Landings were routinely carried out at apparently postage stamp sized helipads ranging from 4.5 kms to 5.2 kms.
Once again thrust into the role of a pioneer, this unit became a familiar sight over this vast waste land. Meanwhile tragedy struck at Bhopal in Dec 84 in the form of an all consuming gas leak. The unit was called upon once again to assume the role of angels of mercy.
After a year and a half in the Siachen area, during which time the word "Impossible" had ceased to exist, the task was handed over to the MI-17s closing yet another glorious chapter.
Year 1986 ‘Op Falcon’ : The Chinese Intrusion
In 1986, incidents of Chinese intrusion took place in the north eastern parts of the country. 109 again pioneered ‘OP FALCON’ under difficult conditions of terrain and weather, streamlining the operation and giving the impetus to sustain the army.
Year 1987 – Move to Sulur and Re-christening
The unit moved to Sulur on 04 Jun 87. Having had a glorious past with yeoman service and unparalleled track record, the unit now felt itself deserving of a suitable title and hence re-christened itself ‘THE KNIGHTS’.
The Srilankan Saga : Jaffna Episode
It was here that one of the biggest helicopter supported operations in history was launched. On the 10th, and 11th of Oct The Knight toiled all day and night positioning troops around Jaffna town despite orders to the LTTE cadres to shoot down all helicopters.
On the night of October the eleventh, a massive special Heliborne Operation was planned. The arm of the mission was to induct 120 Para Commandos and 400 troops of a Sikh Light Infantry Battalion right into the strong hold of the LTTE during the dark hours of the night. The helicopters were rendered vulnerable with low clouds down to 200 meters. As the first wave approached the target, the militants opened fire. Even at this critical juncture, the brave Knights were concentrating on their flying, looking for obstructions on approach. In spite of heavy ground fire from the LTTE, wave after wave of MI-8’s kept coming in, until most of the machines were rendered unfit for flying. What kept the men and machines ticking that night was nothing short of a miracle.
Due to the inaccessibility of the forward positions the MI-8s became the lifeline for the fighting troops. More than eighty sorties a day were flown down to dusk. In the coming days, the Knights put their noses to the grind and carried on flying.
Srilankan Saga : The Vavunia Chapter
In the month of Aug 88, "Operation Checkmate" was launched in the dense jungles of Vavunia. The tremendous problem of supporting a large force in thick jungles for an extended period could only be solved by the might Knights. Landings were carried out in the jungles in unimaginable places causalities were winched up and strafing and air to ground rocket firing was carried out with pinpoint accuracy.
‘Op Cactus’: Picturesque Arena
On 29 Dec 88 the Knights, mounted on their battle steeds with their lances pointing southwards, charging to the rescue of the beautiful and picturesque Island of Male. For over three hours they flew over sea without any navigational aid, which in itself was a record. On reaching Male the Knights soon put things in order by inducting Indian Army troops into strategic positions and flying reconnaissance sorties. Having emerged champions, they started their long journey home on 03 Jan 89.
Best Helicopter Unit : 1989
Even while the Knights were giving an excellent account of themselves in Sri Lanka, there were adjudged the Best Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force for the year 1989.
1991 : Award of Presidents Standards
In recognition of their enviable record of achievements, the Knights deservedly earned the Presidents standard on 02 Aug 91 in an impressive ceremony held at No. 2 Wg AF. One Zero Nine had proven the aptness of its logo : ‘THE KNIGHTS ; EVER VICTORIOUS’.
Period 1991 – 1998 : Consolidation
During this period, the unit carried out multifarious roles involving VVIP/VIP, logistic support, Aid to civil power, SAR, SHBO and Air Sea Search and rescue training apart from cyclone relief at Vijaywada and Nellore, flood relief at Trivandrum and earthquake relief operations at Nellore, with the utmost professionalism and dedication.
This unit has also been training commandos and other infantry units in slithering and has participated in various exercises where it has won many a trophy.
Conclusion
Over the year, The Knights have gathered many trophies and mementos, but The Knights do not believe in resting on their laurels. Every single unit personnel continues to be in constant training and in full readiness for any task the nation chooses to entrust The Knights with, striving to maintained the highest traditions of the unit and the Indian Air Force.
MI-8
-
The arrival of the MI-8 ushered a brand new era in the history of this unit. On the 11th of Jan 1974, the Knights had finally found a successor for the MI-4.
-
The MI-8 immediately took upon itself the task of proving to the Air Force and the world over the versatility and the sheep power of the helicopters in the right hands. It excelled itself in varied roles like casualty evacuation, flood relief, VVIP/VIP flights and rescue operations, winning may a prize for the unit.
-
The Siachen operations added another feather in the already long list of achievements for this aircraft, wherein it toiled day and night often beyond its parameters completing its assigned task and keeping the units head held high.
-
The Srilankan episode was another Saga for the MI-8. A further proof of its reliability and battle worthiness. There were but many a times when she went in amidst impossible odds and came at with flying colours.
-
Perhaps the MI-8 was, and still is one of the best helicopter, in the world, and to this date they take their rightful place by the side of their Knights, ever ready to take on any task for the service of the nation.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
| RANK |
NAME |
AWARDS |
DATE |
|
WO |
Sansar Singh |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.66 |
|
Flt Lt |
MS Dhillon |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.70 |
|
Flt Lt |
MS Dhillon |
Vir Chakra |
16.01.72 |
|
Flt Lt |
RT Chandani |
Vayu Sena Medal |
16.01.72 |
|
Flt Lt |
GP Sharma |
Vishisht Seva Medal |
16.01.72 |
|
WO |
Ajmer Singh |
Mention in Despatches |
16.01.72 |
|
WO |
Arunachalam |
Mention in Despatches |
16.01.72 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
NK Barvey |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.72 |
|
Fg Offr |
S Sah |
Mention in Despatches |
26.01.72 |
|
Wg Cdr |
NK Sangar |
Shaurya Chakra |
26.01.85 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
HS Bath |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.85 |
|
MWO |
GR Punia |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.85 |
|
WO |
GK Vishwanadham |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.85 |
|
Wg Cdr |
VKN Sapre |
Vir Chakra |
11.10.87 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
DR Durainsami |
Vir Chakra |
11.10.87 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
VSN Nath |
Vayu Sena Medal |
11.10.87 |
|
Flt Lt |
B Ramesh |
Vayu Sena Medal |
11.10.87 |
|
Flt Lt |
NM Samuel |
Vir Chakra |
22.06.88 |
|
Fg Offr |
MR Anand |
Vayu Sena Medal |
22.06.88 |
|
Sgt |
Bhaskar SH |
Vishist Seva Medal |
22.06.88 |
|
Cpl |
Venumadhavan |
Vayu Sena Medal |
22.06.88 |
|
Flt Lt |
NS Krishna |
Yudh Sena Medal |
26.01.91 |
|
Flt Lt |
KVSN Murthy |
Vayu Sena Medal |
26.01.96 |
COMMENDATION BY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
| RANK |
NAME |
DATE |
|
Flt Lt |
KK Sangar |
26.01.70 |
|
JWO |
Grewal |
26.01.70 |
|
JWO |
MM Debnath |
15.08.82 |
|
JWO |
MB Deore |
15.08.82 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
Jatinder Singh |
26.01.84 |
|
WO |
HB Kalra |
26.01.84 |
|
MWO |
Naganathan |
26.01.86 |
|
MWO |
VP Bhatia |
26.01.86 |
|
Sgt |
Balram Sethi |
26.01.86 |
|
MWO |
N Naganathan |
15.08.88 |
|
Sgt |
Dayaram |
15.08.88 |
|
Sgt |
Nawab Singh |
15.08.88 |
|
Sgt |
Bhaskar SH |
15.08.88 |
|
Sgt |
Siyag UR |
15.08.88 |
|
Flt Lt |
SN Sharma |
26.01.89 |
|
JWO |
SB Yadav |
26.01.89 |
|
MWO |
Nandgopalan |
15.08.89 |
|
Flt Lt |
V Prakash Vr C |
15.08.91 |
|
Flt Lt |
C Padmanabhan |
26.01.92 |
|
Flt Lt |
SR Reddy |
26.01.93 |
|
Sgt |
Nair VTS |
26.0.93 |
|
Flt Lt |
PK Routa |
15.08.93 |
|
Wg Cdr |
KNG Nair VM |
26.01.94 |
|
Wg Cdr |
T John |
08.10.95 |
|
Fg Offr |
Y Marchino |
08.10.95 |
|
Sgt |
Sasi Kumar |
08.10.95 |
|
WO |
NA Mathews |
26.10.97 |
|
Sqn Ldr |
A Raju |
08.10.97 |
COMMENDATION BY AOC-IN-C
| RANK |
NAME |
DATE |
|
Cpl |
Nair SKS |
15.08.88 |
|
Flt Lt |
SR Reddy |
26.01.89 |
|
Flt Lt |
TA Dayasagar |
26.01.89 |
|
Sgt |
Singh B |
26.01.89 |
|
Sgt |
Kalidas K |
26.01.89 |
|
JWO |
HS Jabbal |
15.08.89 |
|
Sgt |
Nambiar KOG |
26.01.90 |
|
JWO |
DS Basant |
26.01.90 |
|
Fg Offr |
B Kumar |
15.08.90 |
|
Sgt |
Shiv Kumar |
15.08.90 |
|
Cpl |
Chari B |
15.08.90 |
|
Flt Lt |
S Jain |
15.08.91 |
|
Sgt |
Yadav NK |
15.08.93 |
|
Sgt |
Gaur GK |
26.01.96 |
|
Sgt |
Singh G |
26.01.96 |
|
Cpl |
Dutta M |
08.10.97 |
UNITS 