Wg Cdr Trevor Keelor, VrC VM

Wing Commander Trevor Keelor was born on 8 December 1934 in Lucknow.  Most of his schooling happened in St. Francis, where his father, Mr Charles Keelor was the headmaster. He had a brother, Denzil Keelor, who was with him right through his life from school to the Air force. Wg Cdr Trevor Keelor right from his school days was very intelligent and an outstanding athlete, hockey player and a boxer. He completed his senior Cambridge examination in 1951 and his intermediate in 1953, along with his brother. He then attended the Le Martiniere college in Lucknow. As students of Le Martiniere, the Keelor brothers were known for their exploits in sports and the boxing ring. He then got commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot along with his brother.

After completing his training Wg Cdr Trevor Keelor as a young Pilot Officer joined the operational unit and soon became known for his bravery and exceptional flying skills. He not only developed exceptional flying skills but also worked hard to have in-depth knowledge about the technicalities and mechanics of the aircraft. Younger pilots admired and adored him and would always seek expert advice from him. Later he got married to Patricia Ann Keelor and the couple had a son, Basil Keelor.

On the 5th Feb 1964, Flt Lt Keelor was given the task to ferry a Gnat from Poona to Palam in a formation of five aircraft. The last part of the flight had to be undertaken at a height of 41,000 feet. When he was at a height of about 15,000 feet while descending, he discovered that there was no response from the engine to the throttle movements.  He handled his Gnat with great precision and brought all his experience into play and achieved the forced landing with any damage to him or the aircraft. He was awarded, “Vayu Sena Medal” for his professional competence, courage and devotion to duty of a very high order.

Indo-Pak War : Sep 1965

As the tensions between Pakistan and India escalated in Aug 1965, the IAF was put on high alert and the air assets were moved to their operational locations. As part of that movement 23 Squadron was moved to the Air Force base Pathankot and with two sections of four Gnats each, one led by Squadron Leader Johnny Green and the other by Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor. Pakistan launched attack on 01 Sep 1965 in the western sector and its forces soon reached Chhamb in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force sent 45 Squadron’s de Havilland Vampires to support the Army. But, on the evening of 01 Sept, a Pakistani squadron of F-86 Sabres shot down three Vampires, which was was a serious blow to the IAF.

At 7.30 am on September 3, the Indian radars picked up a Pakistani air patrol at Chhamb. The IAF got a report that some Pakistani fighter planes were encircling the position of the Indian army. Consequently 23 Sqn was tasked to neutralize the enemy threat to the Army. Sqn Ldr Jimmy Goodman flew a decoy ahead of the Gnats and the Pakistani Sabres took the bait and rushed to intercept. The Gnats were not so sensitive to radars, so they remained unseen till two Sabres got caught in the formation. Sqn Ldr Trevor got behind one and shot a mighty Pakistani Sabre F-86, which happened to be the first Pakistani aircraft that the IAF managed to shoot down. This was a big morale booster for the IAF and also gave a big strategic advantage to India. Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor became an instant hero in his unit and was showered with praises and accolades. Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his cold courage, professional skill and leadership.

Sqn Ldr Trevor Keelor retired from service in 1968 after having completed a glittering career filled with accolades and awards. He breathed his last on 27 April 2002 leaving behind a rich legacy of gallantry and service to the nation.