I first met the late "Pete" Wilson on Christmas day 1969. We were posted to Jamnagar as "Pilo's" to OTU and reached there on that day, we naturally, called on the Station Commander to wish him.

I flew a total of four flights on the Hunter with him in the lead. I learnt a lot and that is putting it mildly. He was a legend and a towering personality (both literally and figuratively). It was a privilege to have served under him.

May his soul RIP.

In grief,

Ajit Agtey

i remember Pete Wilson

Story by Bhaktimay Chaudhury added on : 12/31/2015


I remember Pete in two phases. In the first phase he was I think a Flt Lt in Agra and my brother's neighbour in the Air Force Station there. I was a boy in school in those days and used to play with Pete's children, Mark and Lindy. In the second phase I was a Wing Commander in the High Commission of India, Aldwych, London and Pete and Mrs Wilson had joined the party as guests of the Indian High Commission. I and my wife Rupa had walked up to them and chatted with them till the party ended. We exchanged memories of the IAF and Pete shared many a story of his days in the IAF. I will always remember Pete as one of the finest the IAF has had. I pray he finds eternal peace with the Almighty.


Air Cmde B Ray Chaudhury (Veteran)
Pune
31 Dec 2015

I was a pipsqueak Pilot Officer when I crossed his path in 1965 at Kalaikunda - he was Commanding a bomber squadron then. My first and only encounter with him was for a transgression. I entered his office a nervous 21 year old expecting to be hauled over the coals by this towering personality. I left light heartedly with a smile and in total awe of a wonderful, compassionate father figure. From that moment on, and to this day, I have heard nothing but full-some praise, admiration and utmost respect for his professionalism and humanity. A colossus has moved on.

Am copying out a few words I blogged a few days ago:

'Saddened to hear about the passing away of Air Cmde Pete Wilson yesterday. Aged 88, he was a legend to those in the IAF who either knew him or had heard of him.

Of the few heroes I had in Service, he was the first. Have written about my one experience with him, just a few months ago. The photograph above is exactly as he was during those days in 1965. A charismatic personality, it would be impossible to find anyone who had anything but praise and respect for someone who was a loving family man, a thorough professional and a father figure and mentor to youngsters.

For leading the day time bomber raid on Badin in Sep ’65, he was awarded the Vir Chakra. Again in 1971, as Station Commander, Jamnagar, he was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal , the last sentance of the citation reads – “In his outstanding career, with his leadership, drive, determination and implacable will. Group Captain Wilson rendered distinguished services of the most exceptional order.” Famously known for his deception plans – which in spite of multiple attacks launched by the PAF at Jamnagar resulted in almost no damage to the base. Most of all, it was his calm, soothing confidence which inspired ground and aircrew alike to give off better than their best during the operations.

For those who came in touch with him at all, his passing away will be felt as a personal loss. A chapter has closed, will not be forgotten.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family.'

I met my father-in-law in 1982 when I met and married his youngest son, David, and was immediately enveloped into the Wilson family en masse, quite an experience for someone who had come from a very small family with divorced parents! Dad was always welcoming, always courteous, and also very funny, though it took me a while to recognise this as he delivered his anecdotes/jokes with complete seriousness! I heard many stories, from family and friends, of his skill and bravery as a pilot and have come to understand just how highly he was regarded in his flying years, and continued to be revered. We shared a love of dogs and he was a gentle, unassuming and generous man who was devoted to his family, especially his wife. Their 65 year old marriage was a testament to their love and a wonderful inspiration for all the family.

my 2 years as his adjutant in 16 sqn was the finest education I ever recevied in my life. He dealt with extreme compassion and humility' He was the best philosopher and guide.
        MAY GOD BLESS HIS SOUL

I have been fortunate to have my father; who became my best friend, for sixty-five years. As all of you who know me will appreciate, Dad lectured me often about the pitfalls of making stupid decisions, I made them anyway and my father always laughed with me and allowed me to make the next one, he was the consummate teacher.
On the day I was born, at home, Mum was lying in bed,sore from my birth, Dad appeared around the corner, making like a gunslinger, and said, "Stick 'em up," causing Mum to laugh! My grandmother had to chase him out of the room because Mum's laughter was causing her pain. This was our father for all of our lives.
I have combed through his 'log books', all five of them, with almost 5000 hours of flying! In it Dad has anecdotes, giving a clear picture of the deep love he had for flying, airplanes, and the people he flew with. His cousin, Neville Gill, when I asked him about Dad the pilot said, "It was like he was a ballet dancer, I am sure there was music he was hearing." I later asked Dad if he ever heard music while flying, his short reply, "Always."
Dad was the most humble human being I have ever met. This was even more telling because he was also one of the most intelligent and well read people I have ever known. However, this never interfered with Dad celebrate the talent and genius of everyone he met.
I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have met because my father was such an exemplary human being. My father, Peter Maynard Wilson, has left the world an infinitely better place and I have been humbled by the example he has set me.

After many years of bearing his various illnesses stoically, Dad fell ill on 21st October with a chest infection. Again and again, he rallied when it seemed impossible anyone could find the strength to do so. This bought the precious time needed for the Wilson Diaspora to have the opportunity to visit and come to terms with his passing, each in our own way. He slipped into unconsciousness on Christmas Eve, before finally leaving us - peacefully and quietly - on the morning of 28th December.

It seemed he has left us in the same manner as he lived his wonderful life, going the extra mile to make things easier for the rest of us. We will grieve his absence, but there is and should not be very much sadness. His was a fulfilled life, full of achievements, humour and love. By every measure, he exceeded all reasonable expectations for someone starting life in a modest little apartment in Bombay in 1927.

He loved his friends, his flying and of course his family. But most of all he loved his wife of over 65 years, Mildred. Right until the end, it was her presence and voice that did most to brighten and lift his spirits. He remained steadfast in his devotion, loyalty and love for her - determined to do everything in his power to ensure she was protected and cared for. He knew, before he left us, that she would be cared for by the family - and this gave him great comfort at the end.

I always felt - and still feel - truly blessed to call him Dad.