| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | | Date: 1-Sep-65 |
Artwork Located:
Officer's Mess Headquarters 10 Corps
Description:
PAF scored its first victories in 1965 on 1st September when four Indian Vampire fighters which were attacking Pakistani troops in Chamb were shot down by two F-86 Sabres flown by Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui and Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti, two by each pilot. No Vampires were seen again for the remainder of the 1965 War. Controller on radar during this interception was Flight Lieutenant Farooq Haider from Sakesar.
Officer's Mess Headquarters 10 Corps
Description:
PAF scored its first victories in 1965 on 1st September when four Indian Vampire fighters which were attacking Pakistani troops in Chamb were shot down by two F-86 Sabres flown by Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui and Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti, two by each pilot. No Vampires were seen again for the remainder of the 1965 War. Controller on radar during this interception was Flight Lieutenant Farooq Haider from Sakesar.
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | | Date: 3-Sep |
Artwork Located:
Office of the AOC Central Air Command
Description:
Squadron Leader Brijpal Singh Sikand, Commander of an Indian fighter squadron, surrenders to a PAF F-104 in combat. The painting shows him landing his Gnat fighter at Pasrur, a Pakistani airfield near Gujranwala. The F-104 was flown by Flight Lieutenant Hakimullah who became the air chief two decades later. Sikand was taken prisoner and later rose to be an IAF Air Marshal. This encounter was the most unusual event of the 1965 Air War.
Office of the AOC Central Air Command
Description:
Squadron Leader Brijpal Singh Sikand, Commander of an Indian fighter squadron, surrenders to a PAF F-104 in combat. The painting shows him landing his Gnat fighter at Pasrur, a Pakistani airfield near Gujranwala. The F-104 was flown by Flight Lieutenant Hakimullah who became the air chief two decades later. Sikand was taken prisoner and later rose to be an IAF Air Marshal. This encounter was the most unusual event of the 1965 Air War.
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | | Date: 6-Sep-65 |
Artwork Located:
Air War College - PAF Faisal
Description:
Dawn over Wazirabad. Flight Lieutenant Aftab Alam Khan in an F-104A Starfighter destroys a Mystere IV and damages another, to mark the start of the India-Pakistan war. India launched the war over West Pakistan with an attack by a formation of four Mystere IV aircraft. The Mysteres crossed the international border to attack a Pakistani train near Wazirabad. Flight Lieutenant Aftab Alam Khan was on a routine morning combat air patrol in the Chamb/Mangla area. He was directed by the Controller at Sakesar, Flight Lieutenant Farooq Haider, to intercept the intruders. First contact with the enemy was made as the F-104 passed head on through the Mystere formation. In the ensuing combat at tree top level, he skillfully outmanoeuvred the opponents to destroy one Mystere and damage another. The remaining members of the formation managed to slip away in the poor light conditions, only to tell the tale of the "dreaded F-104 and the deadly Sidewinder". Apart from being the first encounter to start the war in earnest, the engagement was also significant in other respects. It marked a new era of dog-fighting at very low altitude. It was also the first combat kill by any Mach-2 aircraft, and the first missile kill for the Pakistan Air Force.
Air War College - PAF Faisal
Description:
Dawn over Wazirabad. Flight Lieutenant Aftab Alam Khan in an F-104A Starfighter destroys a Mystere IV and damages another, to mark the start of the India-Pakistan war. India launched the war over West Pakistan with an attack by a formation of four Mystere IV aircraft. The Mysteres crossed the international border to attack a Pakistani train near Wazirabad. Flight Lieutenant Aftab Alam Khan was on a routine morning combat air patrol in the Chamb/Mangla area. He was directed by the Controller at Sakesar, Flight Lieutenant Farooq Haider, to intercept the intruders. First contact with the enemy was made as the F-104 passed head on through the Mystere formation. In the ensuing combat at tree top level, he skillfully outmanoeuvred the opponents to destroy one Mystere and damage another. The remaining members of the formation managed to slip away in the poor light conditions, only to tell the tale of the "dreaded F-104 and the deadly Sidewinder". Apart from being the first encounter to start the war in earnest, the engagement was also significant in other respects. It marked a new era of dog-fighting at very low altitude. It was also the first combat kill by any Mach-2 aircraft, and the first missile kill for the Pakistan Air Force.
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | | Date: Sep-61 |
Artwork Located:
Presented to the Chief of the British Royal Air Force (1992)
Description:
In 1961, Flight Lieutenant Hameed Anwar, a young PAF Officer on exchange posting with the British Royal Air Force, brought distinction to his parent Service by being selected as a member of the RAF's official display team. Hameed, a veteran of the PAF's own formation aerobatic team, was eagerly welcomed into the "Blue Diamonds".
The painting shows the team of sixteen Hawker Hunters performing at the Farnborough Air Show.
Presented to the Chief of the British Royal Air Force (1992)
Description:
In 1961, Flight Lieutenant Hameed Anwar, a young PAF Officer on exchange posting with the British Royal Air Force, brought distinction to his parent Service by being selected as a member of the RAF's official display team. Hameed, a veteran of the PAF's own formation aerobatic team, was eagerly welcomed into the "Blue Diamonds".
The painting shows the team of sixteen Hawker Hunters performing at the Farnborough Air Show.
| Size: 12ft x 4ft Oil | | Date: 2nd Feburary 1958 |
Artwork Located:
Air Headquarters Officer's Mess Islamabad
Description:
2nd February 1958 was a significant day in the history of aviation as well as that of the Pakistan Air Force. On that day, for the first time a formation of 16 fighters (F-86 Sabres) performed a loop during an air display at Masroor Air Base at Karachi. The painting is partly symbolic, depicting the leading elements of the 16 "Falcons" (their call sign) taking off from the runway at Masroor. In the background is an impression of the 16 Sabres in immaculate formation as they looked after having joined up, climbing vertically for a loop. The team was led by the renowned fighter pilot and wartime leader of the Air Force, Wing Commander M Z Masud, who was later awarded Hilal-e-Jurat in the 1965 War.
The Team
Wing Commander M Z Masud
Squadron Leader Nazir Latif
Squadron Leader S U Khan Ghulam Haider
Squadron Leader S M Ahmad Aftab
Squadron Leader Ahmad M Sadruddin
Flight Lieutenant Sajjad Haider
Flight Lieutenant A U Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant Hameed Anwar
Flight Lieutenant Muniruddin Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant M Arshad
Flight Lieutenant Jamal A Khan
Flight Lieutenant A M K Lodhie
Flight Lieutenant Wiqar Azirn
Flight Lieutenant M L Middlecoat
Air Headquarters Officer's Mess Islamabad
Description:
2nd February 1958 was a significant day in the history of aviation as well as that of the Pakistan Air Force. On that day, for the first time a formation of 16 fighters (F-86 Sabres) performed a loop during an air display at Masroor Air Base at Karachi. The painting is partly symbolic, depicting the leading elements of the 16 "Falcons" (their call sign) taking off from the runway at Masroor. In the background is an impression of the 16 Sabres in immaculate formation as they looked after having joined up, climbing vertically for a loop. The team was led by the renowned fighter pilot and wartime leader of the Air Force, Wing Commander M Z Masud, who was later awarded Hilal-e-Jurat in the 1965 War.
The Team
Wing Commander M Z Masud
Squadron Leader Nazir Latif
Squadron Leader S U Khan Ghulam Haider
Squadron Leader S M Ahmad Aftab
Squadron Leader Ahmad M Sadruddin
Flight Lieutenant Sajjad Haider
Flight Lieutenant A U Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant Hameed Anwar
Flight Lieutenant Muniruddin Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant M Arshad
Flight Lieutenant Jamal A Khan
Flight Lieutenant A M K Lodhie
Flight Lieutenant Wiqar Azirn
Flight Lieutenant M L Middlecoat
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | Date: 1965 |
Artwork Located:
Auditorium Gallery - Air Headquarters
Description:
Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmud Alam emerged from 1965 War as Pakistan's top scoring fighter ace. The painting shows him in his favourite F-86 F-35-NA with the victory tally marked alongside the aircraft. (Nine kills and two probables). Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmud Alam, Commander of No 11 Squadron in 1965, was already a notable leader and highly experienced pilot. He also excelled in gunnery competitions - a skill that no doubt contributed greatly to his becoming the first and only jet ace in one mission. This Pakistani Squadron Commander established a combat record which has few equals in the history of jet air warfare.
Flying an F-86F Sabre over the battle lines on September 6, Alam
first engaged a flight of IAF Hunters. In the ensuing dog-fight, he scored two kills. On September 7, he led an intercept mission against IAF Hawker Hunters that were attacking Sargodha airfield. When the six Hunters broke, Alam loosed a Sidewinder missile at their "'tail-end Charlie". The missile quickly found its mark and blew the Hunter out of the sky. The Hunter pilots also saw the F-86s, and all five broke left in a line-astern formation, crossing in front of Alam's guns. Alam then performed a virtuoso, but well-dQcumented feat of gunnery by shooting down four of the Hunters in rapid succession. In action again on the 17th, Alam bagged another brace of Hunters to bring his final score to nine confirmed kills and two probables.
Auditorium Gallery - Air Headquarters
Description:
Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmud Alam emerged from 1965 War as Pakistan's top scoring fighter ace. The painting shows him in his favourite F-86 F-35-NA with the victory tally marked alongside the aircraft. (Nine kills and two probables). Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmud Alam, Commander of No 11 Squadron in 1965, was already a notable leader and highly experienced pilot. He also excelled in gunnery competitions - a skill that no doubt contributed greatly to his becoming the first and only jet ace in one mission. This Pakistani Squadron Commander established a combat record which has few equals in the history of jet air warfare.
Flying an F-86F Sabre over the battle lines on September 6, Alam
first engaged a flight of IAF Hunters. In the ensuing dog-fight, he scored two kills. On September 7, he led an intercept mission against IAF Hawker Hunters that were attacking Sargodha airfield. When the six Hunters broke, Alam loosed a Sidewinder missile at their "'tail-end Charlie". The missile quickly found its mark and blew the Hunter out of the sky. The Hunter pilots also saw the F-86s, and all five broke left in a line-astern formation, crossing in front of Alam's guns. Alam then performed a virtuoso, but well-dQcumented feat of gunnery by shooting down four of the Hunters in rapid succession. In action again on the 17th, Alam bagged another brace of Hunters to bring his final score to nine confirmed kills and two probables.
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | Date: 10-Oct-65 |
Artwork Located:
Entrance - Directorate of Plans
Description:
No 24 Squadron of the PAF operated the GD/ Martin RB-57Fs, the highly specialised ultra high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Their enormous 122 ft wing span earned them the name of 'Droopies'. The RB-57F could cruise comfortably at 80,000 ft out of the reach of any fighter or SAM of that time. They were in PAF service during the 1965 War and overflew most of the IAF airfields at heights up to 67,000 ft or more. During one of the post-war reconnaissance missions, the 'Droopy' shown in the painting was badly damaged by 3 Russian supplied SA-2 SAMs. The aircraft was hit when it lost some height over Ambala during a turn towards its home base. The fragments of exploding SAMs around the aircraft caused major structural damage and almost knocked out the vertical stabilizer and one of its auxiliary turbojets, which hampered its accurate flight. Despite the intense enemy activity, the skilful handling of the situation both by the pilot and the navigator made it possible for the aircraft to land back at Peshawar. The aircraft skidded along the runway with its nose wheels jammed before it came to a final halt.
The Pilots
Pilot Navigator Squadron Leader Rasheed Meer
Flying Officer Sultan Malik
Entrance - Directorate of Plans
Description:
No 24 Squadron of the PAF operated the GD/ Martin RB-57Fs, the highly specialised ultra high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Their enormous 122 ft wing span earned them the name of 'Droopies'. The RB-57F could cruise comfortably at 80,000 ft out of the reach of any fighter or SAM of that time. They were in PAF service during the 1965 War and overflew most of the IAF airfields at heights up to 67,000 ft or more. During one of the post-war reconnaissance missions, the 'Droopy' shown in the painting was badly damaged by 3 Russian supplied SA-2 SAMs. The aircraft was hit when it lost some height over Ambala during a turn towards its home base. The fragments of exploding SAMs around the aircraft caused major structural damage and almost knocked out the vertical stabilizer and one of its auxiliary turbojets, which hampered its accurate flight. Despite the intense enemy activity, the skilful handling of the situation both by the pilot and the navigator made it possible for the aircraft to land back at Peshawar. The aircraft skidded along the runway with its nose wheels jammed before it came to a final halt.
The Pilots
Pilot Navigator Squadron Leader Rasheed Meer
Flying Officer Sultan Malik
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | Date: Nov-65 |
Artwork Located:
Private Collection
Description:
The painting shows a pair of No 15 Squadron Sabres near the K-2 peak. The tail fins of the squadron F-86Fs carry the unit's emblem - a cobra poised to strike. Until the Base Commander ordered it off the air base, a fully grown cobra mascot and its basket were kept for a time in the flight commander's office, and fed by volunteer pilots.
Private Collection
Description:
The painting shows a pair of No 15 Squadron Sabres near the K-2 peak. The tail fins of the squadron F-86Fs carry the unit's emblem - a cobra poised to strike. Until the Base Commander ordered it off the air base, a fully grown cobra mascot and its basket were kept for a time in the flight commander's office, and fed by volunteer pilots.
| Size: 2ft x 3ft Oil | Date: 20-Dec-65 |
Artwork Located:
Officer's Mess PAF Sargodha
Description:
The first two F-6s (Mig-19s made in China) arrive at Sargodha Air Base. The pilots flew over the Karakorams directly from the Chinese airfield at Hotian. The F-6 carried VHF radios, Soviet style instruments and many pieces of equipment that were strange to the PAF pilots and technical hands. The Pakistani markings were not yet painted and the pilots wore leather helmets and throat mikes. Many officers and men of Sargodha gathered near the runway to watch the landings.
Pilots
Squadron Leader M Sadruddin
Flight Lieutenant Khalid lqbal
Officer's Mess PAF Sargodha
Description:
The first two F-6s (Mig-19s made in China) arrive at Sargodha Air Base. The pilots flew over the Karakorams directly from the Chinese airfield at Hotian. The F-6 carried VHF radios, Soviet style instruments and many pieces of equipment that were strange to the PAF pilots and technical hands. The Pakistani markings were not yet painted and the pilots wore leather helmets and throat mikes. Many officers and men of Sargodha gathered near the runway to watch the landings.
Pilots
Squadron Leader M Sadruddin
Flight Lieutenant Khalid lqbal
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