Gp Capt Trevor Joseph Fernandes, VM, Bar-to-VM

Gp Capt Trevor Joseph Fernandes was a young Flt Lt at a forward air base in Punjab in Dec-1961, when told to proceed to Pune. On arrival, he learnt that final preparations were made for armed action to take over Goa. Flying Hunters of 7 SQN, he was tasked to destroy the powerful transmitter of Radio Goa (Emissora de Goa) at Bambolim. He did the job at 0710 hours, while the programme "Alvorada Musicala" which started at 0700 hours was on. He was then told to escort the bombers targeting the Dabolim runway. While the mission was on, he noticed the tail of a Super Constellation sticking out of the hangar at Dabolim. He asked for permission form Tactical Air HQ to target the tail, to immobilize the aircraft. It was declined because of possible civilian casualties. [That Super Constellation of 'Tranportes Aereos da India Portuguesa' piloted by Lt Col Solano de Almeida, a Portuguese Air Force pilot from Lages Air Force Base at Azores on deputation to TAIP, together with one DC-4 Skymaster of TAP, the Portuguese airline, piloted by Capt Reis, daringly took off the bombed runway, secretly repaired overnight by the Portuguese.] Gp Capt Fernandes was associated with Gnats since 1962. He was an active fighter pilot in the 1965 war.

The VM citation: "Sqn Ldr Trevor Joseph Fernandes has been associated with Gnat aircraft since Sept-1962. He has over 1900 hours of accident free flying experience, including more than 700 hours on the Gnat. During the India-Pakistan of 1965, he flew a number of operational sorties. He is an experienced pilot attack Instructor and has had great success in training pilots of his unit in gunnery. As a result of the excellent training imparted by him the aircrew trained by him sevured high places in the Command Gunnery Meets. Throughout, Sqn Ldr Trevor Joseph Fernandez displayed professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty."

Citation of Bar-to-VM: During the ops against Pakistan in Dec-1971, Sqn Ldr Trevor Joseph Fernandez was the Flt Commander of a fighter bomber SQN [26 SQN, Su-7, Adampur]. He flew 14 op missions in support of our ground forces and was responsible for the destruction of one tank, four vehicles and on enemy gun position. He successfully attacked the Sulemanki headworks scoring direct bomb hits. In addition, he also successfully bombed Zaffarwal and Narowal railway yards and attacked the radar unit at Walton. His bombing runs on Sulemanki, Zaffarwal, Narowal and Walton had such a devastating effect that it contributed significantly in halting the enemy armour. Throughout, Sqn Ldr Trevor Joseph Fernandes displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty." [Gazette of India No. 53-Pres/71 dated 26 Jan 1971.] On one occasion, his aircraft was damaged in ack ack, but he daringly flew it back and landed safely. Gp Capt Fernandes was later sent on a pilots training mission to the Iraqi Air Force. He was CO at the Bhuj base, then Director-Ops at Southern Air Command, among other assignments. Youngest brother of Cdr Stanislaus Fernandes and Col Herman J Fernandes - one brother each in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Gp Capt Trevor Fernandes' son is Col Bruce Fernandes, serving. From Siolim.


Source: Pages 176-177