Russia Commemorates Biju Patnaik's WWII Role in Battle of Stalingrad
The contributions of the late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha and a distinguished aviator, during a critical phase of World War II were formally acknowledged this week in New Delhi. A memorial plaque honouring his bravery during the Battle of Stalingrad was unveiled at the Russian Embassy on Wednesday, May 7th, highlighting another aspect of his legacy.
Russia Commemorates Biju Patnaik's WWII Heroism
The plaque was inaugurated jointly by Mr. Patnaik's son, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov. The commemoration specifically recognizes Biju Patnaik's actions while serving as a pilot during the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942 – February 1943), a major turning point on the Eastern Front of World War II where Soviet forces defeated Nazi Germany's 6th Army.
Brave Sorties over Besieged Stalingrad
During the war, Biju Patnaik flew with the Royal Indian Air Force, primarily operating transport aircraft – the Douglas C-47 'Dakota'. Ambassador Alipov noted in a letter that Patnaik participated in the Stalingrad operation by supplying weapons and other essential materials to the besieged Red Army forces fighting within the devastated city. These missions required pilots to navigate intense enemy fire from Luftwaffe aircraft and anti-aircraft batteries to reach the isolated Soviet troops, who, were heavily reliant on aerial resupply.
Distinguished Aviator's Service
Beyond Stalingrad, Patnaik, whose first love was flying, undertook numerous challenging sorties during WWII. He played a key role in evacuating British personnel from Rangoon during the Japanese advance and flew supply missions supporting Chinese forces under Chiang Kai-Shek. This recent honour follows previous recognition from Russia, including an acknowledgement in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the war's end.
The unveiling of the memorial plaque serves as a poignant reminder of Biju Patnaik's multifaceted life, celebrating not only his prominent political career but also his courageous service as an aviator during a defining conflict of the 20th century. It underscores the international recognition earned for his wartime contributions beyond India's borders. Due to his wartime contributions and international relation – after his death in 1977, had three national flags wrapped on his coffin: India, Indonesia and Russia while lying in state.
