ICC in Delhi Darbar 1903

The Imperial Cadet Corps at the 1903 Delhi Darbar.

Sangli

Pilot Officer Rajkumar Pratapsinh Chintamanrao alias Balasaheb Patwardhan

 B : 26th Nov. 1916

D : 22nd Aug. 1944

Pilot Officer Pratapsinh Chintamanrao Patwardhan, 2nd son of H.H. Chintamanrao II Patwardhan was born on 26th Nov 1916 and after completing his education, joined the Royal Air Force in 1941 as a Flying Officer. During 2nd World War, he was posted in Madras now Chennai. He was in the Unit # 1CDF and on 22th August 1942, along with 2 fellow officers, Pilot Officer Nasir-Uddin-Ahmed and Pilot Officer Khurshid Naaman went on flying in the Atlanta AW15 plane on routine training mission. Due to some technical failure, the plane crashed in the St. Thomas Mount near Chennai and all 3 officers were killed in that accident. Call a cruel twist of destiny, just 2 days before his death, his elder brother Yuvraj Madhavrao was blessed with a son Vijaysinh (the current Maharajasaheb) and the whole state of Sangli was in jubilant mood. His Highness was accepting the congratulations telegram sent by all over India then suddenly, he received another telegram informing the tragic death of his son.. The whole state of Sangli went in mourning hearing the death of their beloved Prince.

Unfortunate Atlanta AW15 Plane