Retired Indian Navy commander Noel Kelman, who won the Kirti Chakra for his role in the 1961 Goa Liberation War, died in Porvorim, Goa, on August 23.
Kelman (92) was buried in Panaji on Monday with the Indian Navy according ceremonial honours. Kelman was a founder member of the Goa branch of the All India Anglo Indian Association. On its Facebook page, the All India Anglo Indian Association noted Kelman had joined the then Royal Indian Navy at the age of 15. He was awarded a commendation from the King of England in 1947.
Kelman was honoured with the Kirti Chakra for his bravery during the Indian Navy's conquest of Anjadip Island of the coast of Goa. In his book, Blueprint to Bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65, retired rear admiral Satyindra Singh details the role Kelman played in the eviction of the Portuguese. The 1961 Goa Liberation War was the shortest major conflict India fought since independence, lasting just three days and the first to feature a major role for the Navy.
Kelman was a senior commissioned gunner during the war. Kelman was commanding a boat from the ship INS Trishul to Anjadip when it came under heavy fire.
“Kelman, with great presence of mind, continued towards the beach, zigzagging the boat to counter the accuracy of the machine-gun fire. A few minutes later, by the time the boat beached, it had been riddled with bullets. Kelman had been wounded on both his thighs—fortunately only flesh wounds but all the same, seriously,” Singh wrote. The Portuguese defenders surrendered soon afterwards.
Soon after landing on Anjadip, Kelman was advised to return to the Trishul. But he chose to stay on to assist with operations, despite his injuries. He returned to the Trishul only after the tricolour was raised on Anjadip.
Singh wrote, “The fine example, high quality of leadership and outstanding personal courage displayed by Senior Commissioned gunner N. Kelman, in complete disregard of his personal safety and discomfort, inspired the men under his command and contributed greatly to the victory of the day.”
