Field Marshal KM Cariappa

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About the Book

In Field Marshal KM Cariappa, Air Marshal KC Cariappa (retd). the airman-son presents the lesser-known face of a disciplinarian, yet loving father who tried to ensure that his son and daughter grew up well despite the absence of a mother; who wished his son to follow in his footsteps, before conceding that 'The Air Force needs a few good chaps too" He allowed his daughter to drive his Plymouth that no one else was permitted to touch, and insisted she learn typing and shorthand, among other things, to ride out a rainy day. To help him meet the demands made of him by his profession, he counted on his siblings and nieces. Fond of reading. sports and music, he was a great success with children and had deep admiration for the apostle of non-violence-Mahatma Gandhi.

During Field Marshal KM Cariappa's illustrious career in the Army spanning over three decades (1918-1953). he had a series of firsts to his credit: the first Kodava to join the first batch of Indian cadets at the Daly College, Indore. from where he was commissioned; the fir-st Indian Officer to enter Staff College, Quetta: the first Indian Brigadier; among the first Indians to enter the Imperial Defence College. UK; the first Indian Major General in 1947; the first Indian Commander-in-Chief.

After retiring from the Indian Army in 1953, he served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956.

His love for the Jawan and his patriotism were legendary and won him the respect and admiration of his countrymen from all walks of life.

In 1986, the Government of India conferred the rank of Field Marshal on this outstanding son of the soil.

Field Marshal Cariappa passed away seven years later, on 15 May 1993.

With a strong visual narrative comprising archival matter sourced from private and State-owned archives, Field Marshal KM Cariappa is a moving tribute from a son who regrets he was unable to spend more time with his father-the Father of the Indian Army.

About the Author

Air Marshal KC Cariappa (retd) was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1957 and posted to No. 20 Squadron where he served for six years. He graduated as a Flying Instructor from the Flying Instructors School in Chennai in November 1963 and served at the Pilots Training Establishment in Allahabad till the outbreak of the 1965 war against Pakistan. On 22 September 1965. He was shot down while carrying out attacks on enemy positions and taken Prisoner of War. He remained in captivity till 22 January 1966.

Because of injuries sustained in war he was temporarily unfit to fly fighter aircraft and therefore appointed as Aide to the then Chief of Air Staff. After completing his tenure he converted to helicopters and was posted to command a helicopter unit in North Bengal. He served in that capacity till after the end of the Bangladesh War of Independence.

For his gallantry he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal. After the war he reverted to flying fighter aircraft. In 1976 he was appointed to command No. 8 Squadron, one of the oldest in the Indian Ail- Force.

Air Marshal Cariappa has held important staff and command appointments including the command of three premier flying air bases. In 1988 he attended the prestigious course of higher military instruction and international affairs at the Royal College of Defence Studies. UK.

Promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in 1994, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force's South Western Air Command in Jodhpur the same year. In January 1995 he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India for his distinguished services to the Indian Air Force. He retired in January 1996.

His hobbies include trekking. angling and involvement with wildlife and environmental activities. He was President of the Coorg Wildlife Society for four years.

A keen student of international and military affairs. he has written articles for journals and newspapers on matters pertaining to his interests.

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