1 week ago
Sikh Pilots Link British RAF Service Across Generations
This story connects two Sikh fighter pilots from different generations.
Arshdeep Singh Dang joined the Royal Air Force in 2026.
He was described as the first Sikh RAF pilot since World War II.
During World War II, Mahinder Singh Pujji joined the RAF from India.
He asked to fly while wearing his turban, and the RAF adapted his flying equipment.
During one battle, his damaged plane came down near the White Cliffs of Dover.
The padding in his turban helped protect his head during the crash.
Pujji later served in several war zones and received a medal for bravery.
His story is remembered as part of the shared military history of India and the United Kingdom.
Arshdeep Singh Dang joined the Royal Air Force in 2026 as its first Sikh pilot since World War II.
Mahinder Singh Pujji joined the RAF in 1940 as one of 24 Indian pilots known as the X-Squad.
The RAF designed special flying headgear so Pujji could wear his turban with an oxygen mask and headphones.
Pujji crash-landed near the White Cliffs of Dover after a German fighter damaged his aircraft; his turban’s padding helped cushion his injuries.
He served in Europe, North Africa and Burma, shot down two aircraft, damaged three others, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945.
- Who
- Arshdeep Singh Dang and Mahinder Singh Pujji, Sikh pilots who served with the Royal Air Force.
- What
- The article recounts Pujji’s World War II service and connects it with Dang’s 2026 RAF appointment.
- Where
- Pujji served in Europe, North Africa and Burma, including near the White Cliffs of Dover; Dang was raised in London and joined the RAF.
- When
- Pujji served during World War II, receiving his RAF wings in 1941 and the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945; Dang joined in 2026.
- Why
- Pujji joined to serve during Britain’s war with Germany while maintaining his Sikh faith, and Dang’s service represents a later generation of Sikh RAF participation.
Key facts
- Pujji’s RAF entry
- Mahinder Singh Pujji joined the Royal Air Force in 1940.
- Indian pilot group
- Pujji was among 24 Indian pilots with 'A' level licenses who travelled to Britain; they were collectively called the X-Squad.
- Special equipment
- The RAF designed headgear that allowed Pujji’s turban to accommodate an oxygen mask and headphones.
- Crash landing
- Pujji crash-landed near the White Cliffs of Dover after a German Messerschmitt attacked his aircraft.
- Combat record
- He was credited with two aircraft shot down and three damaged.
- War theatres
- He served in Europe, North Africa and Burma.
- Honour
- He received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945.
Quotes
Mahinder Singh Pujji
WWII Sikh RAF pilot and later Squadron Leader
“A hail of bullets smashed my dashboard to smithereens and sent engine oil arcing across the cockpit, completely obscuring my vision”
NDTV
“I only knew I was 200 feet up, but by God's work, I crash-landed”
NDTV
Sources
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