Air Vice Marshal Eric Gordon Hall SJ SPk (Urdu: ایرک گورڈن ہال; 12 October 1922 — 17 June 1998) known as The Heavy Hitter for his role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a two-star rank officer of the Pakistan Air Force and fighter-bomber pilot hailing from the Christian minority in Pakistan. Eric played a pivotal role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He retired as the Commandant of PAF Staff College on 30 June 1975. Following retirement, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto appointed him as the Director General Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan, a role he held until 6 March 1978. Afterwards, he ventured into import-export businesses in Karachi for a year and relocated to the United States where he opened Hall Enterprises in August 1982, with his wife, Marjorie. The business imported and exported Pakistani furniture, giftware, and military spare parts. He was seen as a prominent figure on the scene which traded heavily on his name and contacts.[4][5][6]
Eric Gordon Hall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ايريک گورڈن حال | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Portrait, c. 1960s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President Hall Enterprises Inc | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office August 1982 – 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director General Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1976 – 6 March 1978 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9th Commandant of PAF Staff College | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office October 1974 – 30 June 1975 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defence and Air attaché to Washington | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office June 1972 – October 1974 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Saeedullah Khan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Sajad Haider | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief of Staff, Pakistan Air Force | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1 April 1970 – 3 June 1972 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 12 October 1922 Rangoon, British rule in Burma | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | June 17, 1998 (aged 75) Rockville, Maryland, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resting place | 39°04′26″N 76°52′34″W / 39.074°N 76.876°W | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Marjorie May Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | 2[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education | Initial Training Wing (Lahore) No. 2 EFTS, (Jodhpur) No. 1 (I) SFTS No. 151 OTU Low Attack Course RIAF Ranchi[2] RAF Central Flying School RAF Staff College, Andover[3] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards | Sitara-e-Jurat (1965) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname | The Heavy Hitter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Military service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Branch/service | Royal Indian Air Force (1943–1947) Pakistan Air Force (1947–1975) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years of service | 1943–75 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit | No. 6 Squadron PAF | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commands | PAF Staff College Air Attaché to Washington PAF Station Masroor PAF Station Chaklala PAF Station Drigh Road No. 6 Squadron PAF | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Battles/wars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notably, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Hall pioneered the innovative concept of converting C-130 Hercules transport aircraft into heavy bombers, enhancing their capacity to carry 13,000 kg (28,000 lb) of explosives with specific modifications. C-in-C of the PAF Nur Khan liked the idea and flew one of the C-130 Hercules during the war. On 11 September, Hall volunteered to lead the initial bombing mission over a strategically vital bridge in Kathua which was used to deliver supplies to the Indian Army. Despite the transport-turned-bomber being unarmoured and vulnerable to Indian anti-aircraft guns, the mission succeeded. This success resulted in the Pakistani military leadership to authorize 13 additional strategic bombing runs using the converted C-130s, including precision strikes on Indian weaponry at Attari along the BRB Canal. The effectiveness of these missions solidified Hall's innovative concept, earning him the Sitara-e-Jurat in 1965.[3][7]
Throughout his career, he served in several high ranking positions of the PAF, including as Commandant PAF Staff College, Air attaché to Washington, Chief of Staff of the PAF, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), Commander PAF Station Masroor, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), Commander PAF Station Chaklala, Commander PAF Station Drigh Road, and Commander No. 6 Squadron PAF.[8]
Early life
editEric Gordon Hall was born on 12 October 1922 into a Christian Anglo-Burmese family in Rangoon during the British rule in Burma. Eric matriculated from the Diocesan Boys High School in Rangoon. His father, Captain E E Hall was a combat engineer in the British Army and went missing in action during the Japanese invasion of Burma in 1941, shortly after which he was declared dead. Due to the invasion and outbreak of war in Burma, the women of his family, namely his mother, sister and aunt were airlifted to British India, while the men fled on foot.[1]
Exhausted and ill with blistered bug bitten feet, he wore out his shoes after traveling through the jungle on foot for weeks from Myitkyina, North Burma to Dibrugarh, northeast India, where he then remained hospitalized for a short time.[9][5]
Personal life
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He was married to Marjorie May Hall and they had two children: a daughter Gillian Hall born on 1 December 1949 and son Clive Hall born on 5 May 1953.[3] His wife Marjorie, was the Chairwoman of the Chaklala division of PAF's Women's Association in 1966.[10]
Royal Indian Air Force career
editAfter being released from the hospital for his injuries caused by the weeks long trek through the jungle, he enlisted in the Royal Indian Air Force as part of the 20 Pilot course of the Initial Training Wing and was commissioned on 20 December 1943. Subsequently, he was deployed to Burma during World War II in a fighter-reconnaissance squadron, where he flew sorties against Japanese forces as a Hawker Hurricane fighter pilot.[9]
Accidents
editOn 12 April 1947, Flying Officer Eric and Cadet Harrison took off in a Tiger Moth II and crash landed 6 miles South East from Jodhpur after an engine failure.[11]
Pakistan Air Force career
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After the Partition of British India in August 1947, he opted for Pakistan, moved his family to Lahore, and transferred his service to the Royal Pakistan Air Force.[3]
Hall was the second to take flight, following Khyber Khan, in Pakistan's first air display on Pakistan Day 1948, which was witnessed by 150,000 people. He captivated the crowd in a Tiger Moth, performing a stunning display of stunt flying and aerobatics at 3,000 feet.[12]
From April 1950 to November 1952, Hall was employed on staff duties at the AHQ (PAF). He was promoted to Wing Commander in November 1952 and commanded No. 6 Squadron PAF for 3 ½ years.[13]
Hall was selected to attend the RAF Staff College, Andover in May 1956. On his return to Pakistan, he commanded the Officers' Advanced Administration School. In October 1958, he was posted to the PAF Staff College as an instructor on the directing staff.[13]
Wing Commander Hall was promoted to Group Captain on 8 March 1960 and appointed as Assistant Commandant of PAF Staff College serving until December 1961.[14]
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
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Leading up to the outbreak of war in August 1965, Group Captain Hall was in command of PAF Station Chaklala. Knowing that war was imminent after the failure of the Pakistan Army's Operation Gibraltar in Jammu and Kashmir (state), he was aware of the Pakistan Air Forces lack of specialist aircraft. Hall brought up the idea of converting C-130 Hercules transports into heavy bombers.[15] With some modifications, the transport aircraft were now able to carry up to 13,000 kg (28,000 lb) of explosive ordinance.
After testing the bombers' efficiency, Hall volunteered to lead the first bombing mission over a strategically vital bridge in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir on 11 September 1965. The mission was fraught with danger as the unarmoured transport-turned-bomber was highly vulnerable to Indian anti-aircraft guns.[16] However, the mission's ultimately successful outcome prompted the Pakistani high command to authorize 13 more strategic bombing runs with converted C-130s, including the precision striking of Indian heavy guns at Attari, on the banks of the BRB Canal. Hall was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat by the Government of Pakistan in 1965 for his innovative idea.[17]
Sitara-e-Jurat
editThe Sitara-e-Jurat citation reads:
CITATION
GROUP CAPTAIN ERIC GORDON HALL (PAK/2768)"Gp Capt Eric Gordon Hall in his capacity as Station Commander, Chaklala played a very vital role during the war with India. All operations were conducted very successfully under exemplary guidance and inspiring leadership of Gp Capt Eric Gordon Hall. No task was too hazardous for him. To set an example, he personally flew and led several operational missions that kept the morale of his officers and men at an exceptionally high level. For his courage and example beyond the call of duty, Gp Capt Eric Gordon Hall is awarded SJ."
Post war
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After the war, Hall was appointed as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at the AHQ (PAF) in Peshawar for two years.[3] He became Commander PAF Station Masroor in October 1968 and was appointed as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration) in November 1969.[3][18]
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
editHall was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Air Force on 1 April 1970 until 3 June 1972.[8] During the 1971 war, he played a key role in making sure the war plans were executed effectively.[3][19][20]
Air attaché to Washington
editHall served as Air attaché to Washington from June 1972 to October 1974.[21] He was a distinguished guest and assisted in the graduation ceremony of the 21st Advanced Class Graduation at the The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School on 1 June 1973.[22]
Commandant PAF Staff College
editIn October 1974, Hall succeeded Air Commodore Shamshul Huda Shah as Commandant of the PAF Staff College. Hall served until 30 June 1975, when he retired from the air force and was succeeded by Air Commodore Ayaz Ahmed Khan.[3]
Director General Civil Aviation Authority
editAfter retiring, Hall was appointed as Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a re-employed BPS-21 grade officer of the Government of Pakistan.[23]
On 11 May 1976, Hall met with Dr. Emil Hinek in Karachi, who was from the aviation department of the Hungarian Ministry of Transport and Postal Affairs, they signed an agreement to start regular flights between Budapest and Karachi.[24] He relinquished charge on the afternoon of 6 March 1978.[25]
Business career
editAfterwards, Hall ran an export-import company in Karachi for a year.[1] He moved to the United States with his family in 1980 and settled in the Washington, D.C. area later becoming a resident of Gaithersburg, Maryland. From August 1982 to 1995, he was the President of Hall Enterprises, a business he started with his wife, which imported-exported Pakistani furniture, giftware, and military spare parts. In addition to that, he had a shop which specialized in ceramics, jewelry and gifts in Ellicott City, Maryland.[1]
Death
editHall was hospitalized after a stroke and died on 17 June 1998 at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. He was buried at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Silver Spring, Maryland).[1]
Awards and decorations
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| PAF GD(P) Badge RED (More than 3000 Flying Hours) | |||
| Sitara-e-Jurat
(Star of Courage) |
Sitara-e-Pakistan
(Star of Pakistan) (SPk) | ||
| Pakistan Tamgha
(Pakistan Medal) 1947 |
Tamgha-e-Qayam-e-Jamhuria
(Republic Commemoration Medal) 1956 |
Tamgha-e-Diffa
(Defence Medal) 1. 1965 War Clasp 2. 1971 War Clasp | |
| Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War
(War Star 1965) |
Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War
(War Star 1971) |
Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War
(War Medal 1965) |
Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War
(War Medal 1971) |
Foreign decorations
edit| Foreign Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
 UK
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1939-1945 Star | 
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| Burma Star | 
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| Defence Medal | 
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| War Medal 1939-1945 | 
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| Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal | 
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References
edit- ^ a b c d e "BRITISH AVIATOR ERIC GORDON HALL DIES AT 75". The Washington Post. 1 July 1998. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ RAF Base Ranchi - September 1944
- ^ a b c d e f g h Azam Qadri; Muhammad Ali (2014). Sentinels in the Sky: A Saga of PAF's Gallant Air Warriors. PAF Book Club, Islamabad. pp. 109–112.
- ^ "Minorities in armed forces". The Express Tribune. 26 February 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Tribute to Pakistan Air Force heroes". The Nation. 6 September 2018. Archived from the original on 9 September 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
- ^ Appeals, United States Court of; Circuit, District of Columbia (31 December 1969). "864 F2d 868 Hall v. D McLaughlin". p. 868.
- ^ Chopra, Samir (2005). The India-Pakistan Air War of 1965. Manohar. ISBN 978-81-7304-641-4.
- ^ a b Hussain, Syed Shabbir; Qureshi, M. Tariq (1982). History of the Pakistan Air Force, 1947-1982. Pakistan Air Force. p. 222. ISBN 978-0-19-648045-9.
- ^ a b Halli, Sultan M. (December 1998). "PAF'S GALLANT CHRISTIAN HEROES CARRY QUAID'S MESSAGE". Defence Journal. Archived from the original on 11 December 2003. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
- ^ Hussain, Syed Shabbir; Qureshi, M. Tariq (1982). History of the Pakistan Air Force, 1947-1982. Pakistan Air Force. p. 222. ISBN 978-0-19-648045-9.
- ^ "Accidents and Incidents DG545".
- ^ "Spectacular Stunt Flying by RPAF pilots". 23 March 1948.
- ^ a b Group Captain E.G. Hall. The Civil and Military Gazette (Lahore). 9 March 1960.
- ^ "Assistant Commandants PAF Staff College". Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Group Captain Colonel Eric Gordon Hall (SJ)". Pakistan Defence. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ Hoodbhoy, Pervez (12 February 2002). "The Wages of Obedience: PAF Pilots". Chowk.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ Tellis, Tyrone (9 May 2008). "The Forgotten Few!". The News International. Jang Group of Newspapers. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ Defence and Media. 1991.
- ^ Pakistan News Digest. Vol. 18. 28 April 1970. p. 11.
- ^ Piotrowski, General Pete (2014). Basic Airman to General: The Secret War & Other Conflicts Lessons in Leadership & Life. Xlibris Corporation. p. 579. ISBN 978-1-4931-6188-1.
- ^ Annual Report. Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army. 1972. p. 123.
- ^ The Army Lawyer. Judge Advocate General's School. June 1973. p. 32.
- ^ Pakistan (1978). The Gazette of Pakistan. p. 174.
- ^ Summary of World Broadcasts. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1976. p. A-29.
- ^ Pakistan (1978). The Gazette of Pakistan. p. 166.
