RECOLLECTIONS RELATING TO AN RCyAF FLIGHT TO DELHI IN 1962 – By Mahendra Situnayake, RCyAF / RAF At the beginning of 1962, Ceylon was gripped by a Poliomyelitis Epidemic. If I remember correctly, there were many people, mainly children, who were infected – some died and some became crippled for life. In its search for a suitable vaccine, the Ceylon Government eventually decided to obtain a treatment (in pill-form) from the Russians. An arrangement was reached for the pills to be flown from Moscow to Delhi by a Russian aircraft; transferred to an RCyAF aircraft at Delhi; and then flown to Ratmalana for delivery to the Ceylon Health Authorities. I was detailed to fly a Heron to Delhi, to receive the Polio Vaccine and to deliver it to Ratmalana for collection. I cannot remember who the members of my crew were. I have looked-up my log book and have seen ...

Read More →