I am pleased to announce the recent release into the market of the second book that myself and Samir Chopra have collaborated and written - "Eagles over Bangladesh : The Indian Air Force in the 1971 Liberation War" . Once again we tackled one of the Air Wars of the Indian Air Force (not that there are many in the first place!)
This was a follow up project from eight years ago when "The India-Pakistan Air War of 1965" was completed. EoB71 tells the complete story of the Air War over the Eastern Sector over Bangladesh. The book covers the preliminary events, the training of the Bangladesh Air Wing, the IAF's operations against the PAF installations on December 4th and thereafter and the massive onslaught against all the Pakistani Ground forces for the duration of the war.
We had consulted official records wherever possible, and interviewed dozens of veterans and compiled this history which imo is as best as it gets.
The book is published by Harper Collins India - and thus its availability in India is well established. Its in paperback format and over 400 pages with nearly 60-70 images. It retails for Rs499 in India
Here are some links to the sites
Lancer | Flipkart | Infibeam
There is a limited edition Hard Bound run that has been printed but available only in the US (Through BR) and UK (Through AViation Bookshop).
Normally , the Hardbound edition retails for $24.99 on BR (with free shipping) .
However for any forum members who have an interest here - and /or followers of the BR IAF site - there is a special offer
The book is available within the US for $20 inclusive of Shipping for interested forum members and site followers.
There are only a limited number of copies available at this price. first come first serve and all that...
Updated July 2014 : The $20 priced copies are all sold out. Few copies still available for $25shipped (US only)
So if you are interested - please email me at airforce AT bharat-rakshak.com for payment details or any other questions.
Unfortunately due to postage costs etc, the HB availability is available only for shipping in the US - no overseas shipping is possible at this moment.
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a peak into the Table of Contents
PS: If you already have it, then we would appreciate your feedback on the book and the stories in it!Preface ix
Introduction xi
1. The IAF between the Wars 1
2. Across the Border 23
3. War Clouds Gather: The First Clashes 57
4. The Air Offensive over Dacca 106
5. Close Air Support: The Early Days 157
6. Back to the Airfields 185
7. Unopposed in the Skies 228
8. Tightening the Noose 286
9. Governor’s House to the Race Course Grounds 325
10. The Aftermath 358
APPENDICES
✈ Appendix A: Order of Battle of the Different Air Bases in EAC
✈ Appendix B: Aircraft Movements
✈ Appendix C: Indian Air Force Sortie Details by Date, Sector and Aircraft Type
✈ Appendix D: Aircraft Losses in Eastern Sector - Indian and Pakistani
✈ Appendix E: Ammunition Expenditure by the - IAF in the Eastern Sector
✈ Appendix F: Pakistan Aircraft in Dacca
✈ Appendix G: Gallantry Awards - IAF, BAF and PAF
✈ Appendix H: Aircraft Roster—Indian Air Force - Tail Numbers by Unit
✈ Appendix I: Commanders
✈ Appendix J: Officers Roster of Flying Units (IAF, BAF, PAF)
✈ Interviewees and Correspondents
✈ Abbreviations
✈ Bibliography
✈ Index
Acknowledgements