Indra Lal Roy

Who was Indra Lal Roy?

Indra Lal Roy, DFC was the first Indian flying ace. He served in the First World War with the Royal Flying Corps and its successor, the Royal Air Force. He claimed five aircraft destroyed, and five 'down out of control' wins in just over 170 hours flying time.

The son of Bengalis P. L. and Lolita Roy, he was born in Calcutta, where his father was Director of Public Prosecutions. When the First World War broke out, Roy was attending St Paul's School, Hammersmith in London, England.

Five months after turning 18, in April 1917 he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 5 July 1917. After training and gunnery practise at Vendôme and Turnberry, he joined No. 56 Squadron on 30 October 1917. Roy was part of "A" Flight, commanded by flying ace Captain Richard Maybery.

Two months later, Roy was injured after he crash-landed his S.E.5a fighter on 6 December 1917. While recovering, Roy made numerous sketches of aircraft — many of which still exist. Though concerns were raised that he was medically unfit, Roy was successful in returning to duty after he had recuperated. He was transferred to Captain George McElroy's flight in No. 40 Squadron in June 1918.