Pujji, Mahinder Singh (Oral history)

Indian officer served as pilot with 43 Sqdn and 258 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1940-1942, including Battle of Britain, 1940; served with RAF in North Africa and North West Frontier of India, 1942-1944, served with 4 Indian Sqdn in Burma, 1944-1945

REEL 1: Background in India: early interest in flying; employment as Refuelling Superintendent with Shell; story of obtaining commission as pilot officer with RAF, 8/1940. Aspects of operations with 43 and 258 Squadrons RAF in GB, 1940: passed conversion course and issued with Wings; posted to RAF Kenley; nature of operations; description of London during Blitz; attitude to Hitler; opinion of British pilots and British people; story of being shot down and forced landing. REEL 2 Continues: description of first operational flight and reaction to danger; question of interception over GB and France; question of wearing turban while flying; attitude of British civilians and special treatment; question of racial discrimination; description of flying training in India and GB; question of conversion to flying Hurricanes; opinion of Hurricane and Spitfire and comparison with German fighters; description of scramble procedure; speed of take-off; co-ordination with ground control; social life and recreational activities. Aspects of operations with RAF in Afghanistan and Burma, 1942-1945: amusing story of New Zealand CO getting lost over desert; story of RAF pilot killed and dismembered by tribesmen in Afghanistan; description of reconnaissance missions in Burma; location of Japanese positions; number of missions flown and casualties in squadron; story of rescuing three hundred American troops in Burma; description of medal awards including DFC; opinion of Americans.