The helicopter appeared over the late morning horizon. We were to receive Mr Lachhman Singh Rathore who was visiting our Flight Unit to perform the last rites of his son, Flying Officer Vikram Singh. Only the day before, I had sent the telegram, “Deeply regret to inform that your son Flying Officer Vikram Singh lost his life in a flying accident early this morning.
Death was instantaneous.” It was the first time for me to meet and manage the bereaved next of kin, in this case the father of the brave officer. While most of the desolate family members insist on seeing the body, many a time there isn’t a body to show !!
Flying Officer Vikram Singh’s remains were only a few kilos – scrapped from what was left in the cockpit. We had to weigh the wooden coffin with wood and earth. The pilot brought the helicopter to a perfect touchdown. Soon Mr. Lachhman Singh Rathore was helped down the....
