Lieutenant S C Wellingkar
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India in World War I : Indian Air Warriors |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | August 20, 2019 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¾ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3549 Stamp Number IN 3135 Yvert et Tellier IN 3230 Stanley Gibbons IN 3629 |
| Themes | First World War | Pilots |
A Pioneer Among India’s Early Air Warriors
The First World War (1914–1918) was a turning point in global history — a conflict that reshaped nations and gave rise to modern warfare. Among the many unsung heroes who emerged from India’s contribution to this monumental event was Lieutenant S. C. Wellingkar, one of the early Indian aviators who broke through racial and colonial barriers to earn his wings in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) — the forerunner of the Royal Air Force (RAF).
India’s Role in the Great War
Although India was still under British rule, the country played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. Over 1.4 million Indian soldiers served overseas, with around 74,000 laying down their lives in distant battlefields across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their valour earned over 9,200 gallantry decorations, including 11 Victoria Crosses, the highest honour for bravery in the British Empire.
Lieutenant Wellingkar’s entry into the Royal Flying Corps symbolized India’s growing presence not only on the ground but also in the skies — a testament to courage and competence at a time when aviation was still in its infancy.
Aviation in the Era of Courage
During World War I, air combat was a new and dangerous frontier. Pilots faced not only enemy fire but also mechanical uncertainty and the perils of open-cockpit flying. For an Indian officer to train, qualify, and serve as a pilot under such conditions was a rare and remarkable achievement.
Lieutenant S. C. Wellingkar was among the select few Indians alongside pioneers such as Lieutenant Indra Lal Roy, Hardit Singh Malik, and Errol Suvo Chunder Sen who took to the skies with unmatched spirit and skill. Their service laid the foundation for what would later become the proud legacy of the Indian Air Force.
Commemorating India’s Air Warriors
The bravery and contributions of early aviators like Lieutenant Wellingkar are remembered as part of India’s larger military participation in the First World War. These young officers demonstrated that Indians could excel in the most advanced and elite branches of warfare, paving the way for future generations of air warriors.
India Post, through its commemorative postage stamps, has honoured the memory of these men symbols of national pride and courage who served with distinction far from home.
A Legacy That Inspire
Lieutenant S. C. Wellingkar’s name stands among those early pioneers who dared to dream beyond the limits imposed by their colonial circumstances. Their service in the Great War not only brought honour to India but also marked the beginning of India’s tryst with aviation one that would later soar to great heights.
Through memorials, military history, and philatelic tributes, their spirit of valour, sacrifice, and trailblazing ambition continues to inspire the generations that followed.