Pilot Officer Shiv Dev Singh

Shiv Dev Singh was one of 24 Indian pilots who qualified to serve with the RAF after answering the call to arms following the Battle of Britain and the heavy losses incurred by the early Bomber Command Raids. He served as Drummonds co-pilot on one raid, before being transferred to the Middle East. After Japan came into the war he returned to his native India where he served with distinction, remaining in the Indian Air Force and rising through the ranks to a Air Vice Chief Marshal. 

A wonderful newspaper clip kept by Drummond Wilson's family of his first co-pilot. Dated 17th April 1942, just 6 days after the Godmanchester crash.

 

And a better quality version

A remarkable and unique piece of XV Squadron memorabilia, its a fair assumption that as Shiv Dev Singh was leaving the Squadron for the Middle East he obtained this official photograph and got the Pilots to sign it. 

Left List: Flying Officer Peter Boggis (MacRoberts Reply), De Ville, King, Edghill, Pilot Officer Fink.

Middle List: Bob Sellick, Flight Lieutenant Drummond Wilson, Flying Officer Conran 

On its own Wing Commander Gilmour

Right List: Pilot Officer Ordish, Flying Officer Swales, Flight Lieutenant Ryall, ???, Flying Officer Nicholson

 

Wonderful photo taken circa 1945 showing the insignia of the Indian Air Force

 

A proud moment as Shiv Dev Singh is presented with the rank of Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force by the late Prime Minister Zakir Hussain circa 1969

Shiv Dev loved to hike and here is in the Kangra Valley in August 1979.