Flt Lt Lawrence Fredrick Pereira VrC

Flt Lt Lawrence Frederic Pereira hailed from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was born on 10 June 1945. He was the son of Shri D. H. Pereira and Smt. Sophie Pereira, and the second among six siblings. His early years were spent in Goa, where he lived with his uncle and aunt and studied at St. Paul’s High School, Belgaum. Later, he completed his schooling at St. Stanislaus School, Bandra in Bombay, an institution that would go on to produce four Indian Air Force officers, including him. Driven by a deep passion for flying and service to the nation, he joined the Indian Air Force and was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 10 August 1964, at the young age of 19. After completing his flying training, he was posted to No. 220 Squadron, based at Air Force Station Pune.

Very early in his career, he got the opportunity to participate in active operations during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, where he proved his skill and composure under pressure. Following the war, he was posted to a Gnat fighter squadron, continuing to hone his operational flying experience. In 1967, he met Isabelle, an officer from the Military Nursing Service, and the two were married on 12 September 1970. The following year, on 13 September 1971, they were blessed with a daughter, Nicole Annabelle. He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 1968 and later underwent conversion training on the Sukhoi-7 aircraft in 1970. Subsequently, he was posted to Air Force Station Adampur and later served with No. 26 Squadron, continuing his journey as a skilled and dedicated fighter pilot.

Shakargarh Sector (Indo-Pak War): 14 Dec 1971

During 1971, Flt Lt Lawrence Frederic Pereira was serving with 26 Sqn operating SU-7 aircraft but was deputed to serve with 8 TAC (Tactical Air Centre) supporting army operations in the Shakargarh sector on the western front. He was functioning as FAC (Forward Air Controller) with the 2nd Independent Armoured Brigade. On 4 December 1971, the Indian army thrust to defeat Pakistan in important sectors. The Skinner’s Horse battalion, in unison with the 1st Dogra regiment, advanced towards Chak Amru, crossing the international borders into enemy territory. The brigade’s other two tank regiments – the 7th Cavalry and the Scinde Horse also joined them from behind into Pakistani territory. The primary objective of the 1st Corps controlling the operations in that area was to capture a dominant position in Shakargarh.

The IAF was providing aerial support to the artillery and other regiments in their ground operations. Flt Lt Pereira, as FAC, was directing strike missions of the IAF to hit enemy targets in support of ongoing army operations. He was required to direct close air support aircraft to enemy targets from forward locations. His directions were responsible for many successful attacks by IAF aircraft on enemy concentrations. This helped Indian army units to achieve their objective and reduce their own casualties. However, on 14 December 1971, while performing his duties, Flt Lt Pereira was hit by enemy bullets when an enemy aircraft strafed the brigade location at Shakargarh. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. His last words to his comrade were, “Tell my little girl (his wife Isabelle ) to be brave". Flt Lt Pereira was buried in the RA (Royal Artillery) Cemetery, Garha Road, Jalandhar Cantt, with full military honours on 15th Dec 1971. 

Flt Lt Pereira was a valiant soldier and committed air warrior, who laid down his life at the age of 26 years in the line of his duty following the highest traditions of the IAF.  Flt Lt Pereira was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” on 26 Jan 1972 for his outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. Flt Lt Lawrence Frederic Pereira is survived by his wife, Smt Isabelle, and daughter Ms Nicole Annabelle. 

The citation for the "Vir Chakra" award to him reads:-

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Lawrence Fredric Pereira was employed on forward air controller duties with an army brigade in a forward area. He was required to direct close air support aircraft to enemy targets from forward locations- His directions were responsible for many successful attacks by our aircraft on enemy concentrations. On 14 December- while on duty in a forward locality, he was hit by enemy fire and died.

Throughout Flight Lieutenant Pereira displayed gallantry, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.