Ex-UK air chief in India searching for his roots

Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy (retired) will be heading for Bangalore in February in search of the house where his father once lived during the Second World War. Rahul Singh reports.

The Royal Air Force’s former chief is tracing his roots in India.

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Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy (retired) will be heading for Bangalore in February in search of the house where his father once lived during the Second World War. It would have been easier for Torpy to deal with the unprecedented defence cuts being implemented in the UK than reliving his father’s memories.

Torpy, who led the RAF from 2006-09, said he has no clue about where his father Gordon Torpy lived in Bangalore. His best hopes lie in yellowing snapshots of the Torpy residence.

“The city would have changed a great deal over the past six decades, but I hope the photos give us some leads,” said Torpy, 57. His grandfather, a Royal Navy officer, was posted in India, where his father was born.

Torpy has done some homework to improve his chances of finding his dad’s home.

He has touched base with former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Major to help him with his quest. Major settled down in Bangalore after hanging his boots last May.

Major said, “Glenn has been talking about visiting his father’s one-time home for many years. I hope his efforts meet with success and he returns to the United Kingdom with some wonderful memories.”