Cecil Chaudhry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Group Captain
Cecil Chaudhry
 Sitara-e-Jurat SJ, SBt, PP |
|
|---|---|
| Born | 27 August 1941 Dalwal, Punjab, British India, now Pakistan |
| Died | 13 April 2012 (aged 70) Lahore, Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan |
| Service/ |
 Pakistan Air Force |
| Years of service | 1958–1986 |
| Rank |  Group Captain |
| Service number | Pak/4055 |
| Unit | No. 5 Squadron Fighting Falcons |
| Commands held | Masroor Air Force Base Sargodha Air Force Base No. 32 Fighter Ground Attack Wing No. 38 Multi-Role Wing Combat Commander's School |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards |  Sitara-e-Jurat Sitara-e-Basalat Pride of Performance |
| Alma mater | St. Anthony High School, Lahore, Forman Christian College |
| Other work | Educationist |
Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry was a brave Pakistani fighter pilot and a champion for human rights. He was born on August 27, 1941, and passed away on April 13, 2012. He served in the Pakistan Air Force for nearly 28 years.
Cecil Chaudhry fought in two major conflicts: the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He was known for his courage and skill in the air. After his military career, he became an important educationist and worked to help others.
Contents
Early Life and Air Force Career
Cecil Chaudhry was born in a small village called Dalwal in Punjab, British India. His family was the only Christian family in the village. His father, Elmer Chaudhry, was a photographer and a teacher. Cecil went to St. Anthony's High School and later studied physics at Forman Christian College in Lahore.
When he was just 15, in 1956, Cecil earned his glider pilot’s wings. This was a special award given by the President of Pakistan. He joined the Pakistan Air Force Academy in 1958. He studied hard and became an expert in both aeronautics and mechanical engineering. He also became an amazing fighter pilot. He retired from the Air Force in 1986.
Heroic Actions in Wars
During the 1965 war, Cecil Chaudhry was a flight lieutenant. He was part of a very difficult mission to attack the Amritsar Radar Station. For his bravery in this mission, he received the Sitara-e-Jurat, which means "Star of Courage." It's one of Pakistan's highest military awards.
In the 1971 war, Cecil Chaudhry was a squadron leader. His aircraft was hit by ground fire, but he managed to eject safely. He was then rescued by soldiers.
Later Life and Helping Others
After leaving the Air Force, Cecil Chaudhry dedicated his life to education. He worked with the Punjab Education Foundation. He was the principal of St. Anthony's College for many years. Later, he became the principal of Saint Mary's Academy in Rawalpindi. He retired from this role in 2011.
Cecil Chaudhry was also a strong voice for human rights. He worked to improve the lives of children with disabilities. He also pushed for better education for everyone. He was a key member of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA). This group works to protect the rights of minority communities in Pakistan. He also helped bring back a fair voting system in Pakistan in 2002.
Awards and Honors
Cecil Chaudhry received several important awards for his service and contributions:
- Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage): Awarded for his bravery during the 1965 war.
- Sitara-e-Basalat (Star of Good Conduct): Another military honor for his excellent service.
- Pride of Performance: A civilian award given by the President of Pakistan for his achievements in education.
Death and Legacy
Cecil Chaudhry passed away on April 13, 2012, in Lahore, at the age of 70. He was buried with full military honors. His daughter, Michelle Chaudhry, started a non-profit organization called the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation. This foundation continues his work by defending the rights of minorities in Pakistan.
See also
- Mervyn Middlecoat
Images for kids
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The Sitara-e-Jurat medal
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The Sitara-e-Basalat medal
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The Pride of Performance medal
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Pakistan Air Force GD(P) Badge RED
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Tamgha-e-Diffa (General Service Medal)
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Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War (War Star 1965)
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Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War (War Star 1971)
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Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War (War Medal 1965)
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Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War (War Medal 1971)
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Tamgha-e-Sad Saala Jashan-e-Wiladat-e-Quaid-e-Azam (100th Birth Anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
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Hijri Tamgha (Hijri Medal)
