Indra Lal Roy was born on February 2, 1898, in Kolkata, India. He was the son of a prominent barrister and grandson of an Indian civil servant. Roy's early education took place at St. Paul's School in Hammersmith, London, England.
At the outbreak of World War I, Roy volunteered for service in the British Royal Flying Corps. He quickly proved to be a skilled pilot and gained a reputation as a fierce and daring fighter. Over the course of the war, he destroyed five enemy aircraft in roughly 170 hours of flying time.
During his service, Roy sustained injuries in a crash-landing in December 1917. While recuperating, he passed the time by creating detailed sketches of aircraft, showcasing his artistic talent in addition to his flying skills.
Roy's legacy continued through his nephew, Subroto Mukerjee, who went on to become the first Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. The family's dedication to aviation and military service extended through generations.
After the war, Roy continued to be involved in aviation, but tragically his life was cut short at the young age of 20 in a flying accident in France in 1919. Despite his short life, his contributions to the war effort and the development of military aviation in India were significant.
Indra Lal Roy's name lives on as a symbol of bravery and skill in the face of adversity. His impact on the Indian Air Force and the aviation world as a whole cannot be understated. He remains a hero and an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.
Indra Lal Roy and Arthur Brown were both flying aces during World War I, showing unmatched skill and courage in the skies. Their contributions to the war effort were vital in securing victory for the Allied forces.