Wing Commander Cecil Barretto: IAF Honours 104-Year-Old World War II Veteran

GOA, 25 October 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) honoured Wing Commander Cecil Barretto (Retd) on his 104th birthday, celebrating a distinguished military career that spanned the Second World War, the 1947–48 India-Pakistan War and the early development of the Air Force’s Dental Branch.

Veteran officer helped establish the Indian Air Force’s Dental Branch and served during the 1947–48 Kashmir War

Born on 25 October 1922, Barretto was felicitated at his residence in Goa by a team from the Airmen Training School (ATS), Belagavi, accompanied by Air Vice Marshal SJ Nanodkar (Retd), president of the Air Force Association’s Goa Branch. The celebration took place in the presence of his family.

The IAF marked the occasion with the message, “Once an Air Warrior, Always an Air Warrior!”, reaffirming its commitment to honouring veterans and preserving their legacy.

Service during the Second World War

Barretto’s military career began in February 1945, when he was commissioned into the Army Dental Corps during the final phase of the Second World War.

Initially posted to No. 4 Army Dental Centre in Rawalpindi, he subsequently became Officer-in-Charge of No. 35 Indian Army Dental Centre, attached to the 14 Indian Division. His responsibilities included providing dental treatment and conducting inspections among troops.

Following India’s Independence, he served in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947–48 conflict, heading No. 8 Military Dental Centre while Indian troops were deployed against Pakistani raiders. His service record highlighted his devotion to duty, professional competence and commitment to ensuring that medical problems did not unnecessarily affect troop availability.

A founding officer of the IAF Dental Branch

One of Barretto’s most significant contributions came on 31 March 1956, when the Indian Air Force formally established its Dental Branch.

He and Major JM Rao, both officers of the Army Dental Corps, were seconded to the Air Force to help establish the new service. Existing military dental centres at Palam and Jalahalli were transferred to the IAF and redesignated as No. 1 and No. 2 Air Force Dental Centres.

Rao assumed command at Palam, while Barretto took charge at Jalahalli. Both are recognised as founding officers of the branch, which subsequently developed into an important component of military healthcare.

Barretto later served at several Air Force stations and eventually commanded the Military Dental Centre at Panaji, Goa. His work also extended to providing dental care for Army and other service personnel stationed there.

Recognising distinguished service

Barretto received the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in recognition of his distinguished service. The Government of India’s award citation, dated 26 January 1976, praised his professional ability, exceptional sense of duty and selfless service.

His family also has a remarkable military legacy. He was one of four brothers who attained senior ranks in the Indian Armed Forces, including two Brigadiers and a Lieutenant General. Their father, Dr. Cristovam da Gama Barretto, was reportedly Mahatma Gandhi’s dentist at Wardha.

At 104, Wing Commander Barretto remains a living link to an important era in India’s military history, embodying decades of dedication, professional service and enduring commitment to the nation.

Courtesy : SSBCrack