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Benjamin Abraham Samson
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Benjamin Abraham Samson
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Vice Admiral Benjamin Abraham 'Chippy' Samson, PVSM (25 September 1916 – 18 March 2008) was an Indian Navy Admiral who served as the Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet from 8 January 1964 to 31 May 1966. He was the first Naval Officer to serve as the Commandant of the National Defence Academy. His daughter is the famous Bharatanatyam dancer, Leela Samson.

Key Information

Early life

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Samson was born on 25 September 1916, in Poona in Bombay Presidency, to Abraham Samuel Samson Killekar and Sarah Shalom Bapuji Israel Wargharkar. The Samson family was a part of the Bene Israel community which has base from villages in the Konkan area of western Maharashtra near Mumbai and resided in the Ohel David Synagogue. Benjamin was the seventh of 10 children. He attended the St. Vincent's High School in Poona. He left to join the Navy right after school.[1]

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Dufferin and mercantile marine

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The Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship (IMMTS) Dufferin was established in 1927 to train young men for India's marine service.[2] Samson joined the Dufferin in December 1931 and graduated in December 1934. He then joined the British India Steam Navigation Company in 1934 as a cadet.

World War II

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In September 1939, with the outbreak of the World War II, he was absorbed into the Royal Indian Navy as a Sub-lieutenant.[3] He served on the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Dipavati.[4] He later commanded another patrol vessel HMIS Laxmi.[5]

He served aboard the Frigate HMIS Indus which was on convoy escort duty in the Red Sea and off the coast of Ethiopia. He was transferred to the frigate HMIS Hindustan in 1941, which was part of an escort for a troop convoy from Ceylon to Rangoon.[6] Samson was then selected to undergo a torpedo course and he proceeded to England. He specialised in Anti-submarine warfare. After the completion of the course, he was posted to the light cruiser HMS Newcastle.

Post-Independence

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Upon the Independence of India, he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was the Commanding Officer of HMIS Sutlej (U95). Samson was promoted to acting Commander with effect from 30 June 1948 and was appointed the First Naval Adviser to the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.[7] The High Commissioner then was V. K. Krishna Menon, who later served as the Minister of Defence. He served as the Naval Advisor at London from May 1948 to December 1950 and was promoted acting Captain on 1 January 1950.[8] It was during this time that HMS Rotherham was bought and became the destroyer INS Rajput (D141).

In early 1951, Samson took over as the Commander (Executive Officer) of the Flagship of the Indian Navy, the cruiser INS Delhi (C74). Delhi was under the command of Captain S. G. Karmarkar.[9] Samson then took over as the Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi.[10] On 31 December 1953, Samson was promoted to substantive Captain.[11]

In 1954 he moved from Naval HQ to sea command and became the Flag Captain of INS Delhi (C74). He simultaneously served as the Chief Staff Officer to the Flag Officer Commanding (Flotilla) Indian Fleet.[12][13] He commanded the Flagship INS Delhi for three years. As Flag Captain, he served under three Fleet Commanders – Rear Admirals F A Ballance, St John Tyrwhitt and Ram Dass Katari. After handing over command of Delhi to Captain P. S. Mahindroo, he assumed the office of Captain Superintendent Naval Dockyard Mumbai.[14]

Flag rank

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Samson was promoted to acting Rear Admiral and appointed as the first Naval Commandant of the National Defence Academy, assuming office on 27 December 1958.[15] Promoted substantive rear admiral on 22 November 1962,[16] he was the Reviewing Officer of the Passing Out Parade of the 23rd course on 7 December 1962.[17] In April 1962, he was appointed the next Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), succeeding Rear Admiral Adhar Kumar Chatterji. Since he was the Commandant of NDA, he was to take up this appointment by the end of the year. Commodore S M Nanda was to temporarily officiate as the DCNS.[18] However, his posting as DCNS was cancelled and he was selected to attend the Imperial Defence College. He demitted office of Commandant NDA on 31 December 1962 and proceeded to London.[19]

On 31 December 1963, while still doing the course at the Imperial Defence College, he was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet (FOCIF).[20] Rear Admiral Samson took over as the FOCIF on 4 January 1964. In his own words, "This to me was the perfect culmination of my naval career – commanding a fleet of several fine warships at sea." He flew his flag on his old ship, the INS Delhi for a couple of days before transferring to the new INS Mysore (C60).[21] On 26 January 1966, for his tenure as FOCIF, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (then called Vishisht Seva Medal, Class I).[22]

After commanding the Indian Fleet for about two and a half years, Samson retired on 22 November 1966.[23]

Later life

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Post retirement, Samson had a successful business career. He served as the CEO of the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders[24] from 1966 to 1973. During this time, he led the Frigate project. The first Indian built Frigate – INS Nilgiri was built by the Mazagaon Dock and handed over to the Indian Navy. The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi commissioned INS Nilgiri on 3 June 1972. In a rare gesture, on 3 June 1972 Samson was promoted to the honorary rank of Vice Admiral for his outstanding contribution to the Frigate project and the Mazagaon Dock.[25][26]

He then served as the chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),[27] Chairman of Philips India[28] and Vice Chairman of Damodar Bulk Carriers.[29]

Bibliography

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References

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Benjamin Abraham Samson

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Vice Admiral Benjamin Abraham 'Chippy' Samson, PVSM (25 September 1916 – 18 March 2008) was a senior officer in the Indian Navy who served as the Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet from 1964 to 1966. Born in Poona (now Pune), Maharashtra, to Abraham Samuel Samson Killekar and Sarah Shalom Bapuji Israel Wargharkar, he belonged to the Bene Israel Jewish community and was the seventh of ten children. After attending St. Vincent’s High School in Poona, Samson joined the Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship (IMMTS) Dufferin in 1931, graduating in 1934. He received a direct commission as sub-lieutenant in the Royal Indian Navy in 1939 and served during World War II, specializing in anti-submarine warfare. Throughout his career, Samson commanded several notable vessels, including HMIS Sutlej, HMIS Jumna, HMIS Prabhavati, and INS Delhi. In 1958, he became the first naval officer to serve as of the National Defence Academy, holding the position until 1962. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the (PVSM), India's highest peacetime military decoration, on 26 January 1966. Following his retirement from active naval service in 1966, Samson took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, where he oversaw the indigenous construction of the frigate INS Nilgiri from 1966 to 1973. He later served as Chairman of the (CII) and Philips India, as well as Vice Chairman of Damodar Bulk Carriers. Samson was the father of , a renowned dancer, choreographer, and former Chairperson of the . He died on 18 March 2008 in , , at the age of 91.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Benjamin Abraham Samson was born on 25 September 1916 in Poona, (present-day , ), to Abraham Samuel Samson Killekar and Sarah Shalom Bapuji Israel Wargharkar. His family belonged to the Jewish community, a group with ancient roots in the region of , known for maintaining Jewish traditions while integrating into Indian society. As the seventh of ten children, Samson grew up in a large household that emphasized education and community involvement, residing in a bungalow near the Ohel David Synagogue in Poona. Known from an early age by the nickname "Chippy," which reflected his playful and energetic childhood within the family, Samson's early years were shaped by the close-knit dynamics of his upbringing. The family's observance of Jewish customs, including attendance and festivals, provided a strong cultural foundation, while the diverse professional pursuits of his relatives—ranging from to —influenced his own aspirations. His father's death in 1934, when Samson was 17, brought financial challenges that his elder sister Annie helped alleviate through her career, fostering resilience and a sense of familial duty in the household. Samson's daughter, , born in 1951, became a prominent figure in , particularly , carrying forward elements of the family's cultural heritage through her acclaimed career as a dancer, choreographer, and director. This early environment in Poona laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, transitioning into his schooling in the same city.

Schooling and naval training

Samson attended St. Vincent’s High School in Poona, completing his secondary education there before pursuing a maritime career. Upon finishing school, he joined the Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship (IMMTS) Dufferin as a in December 1931, undergoing rigorous training in , , and related maritime disciplines aboard the vessel. He graduated from the program in December 1934, earning certification as a qualified ready for service in the mercantile marine. Following graduation, Samson gained practical experience in the mercantile marine by joining the as a , undertaking initial sea voyages that honed his operational skills at sea. In , with the onset of , he was commissioned as a in the Royal Indian Navy, marking his transition from merchant service to naval duty.

Early service and World War II

Benjamin Abraham Samson commenced his active service in the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) in September 1939, shortly after the outbreak of , when he was commissioned as a following his pre-war training aboard the Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship (IMMTS) Dufferin. His early duties involved serving on auxiliary patrol vessels, beginning with HMIS Dipavati, where he participated in coastal defense and reconnaissance operations along India's western seaboard to counter potential Axis threats. Promoted soon thereafter, Samson took command of the patrol vessel HMIS Laxmi, leading anti-submarine sweeps and escort duties in the as part of the RIN's expanded wartime role in protecting Allied shipping routes. His service continued on the frigate HMIS Indus, where he engaged in convoy protection operations in the , safeguarding vital supply lines from Japanese and German interceptions, and later aboard the HMIS Hindustan, contributing to the instruction of new RIN personnel amid the navy's rapid expansion. These assignments provided Samson with critical operational experience in the theater's challenging maritime environment, including patrols extending to the and beyond. In 1942, Samson was selected for advanced training in , where he completed a specialized course at a facility and developed expertise in techniques, including the use of ASDIC () for submarine detection and deployments. Returning to , he served on the light HMS Newcastle, undertaking key anti-submarine patrols and convoy escorts in the , which were essential in mitigating attacks on Allied merchant vessels during the critical phases of the war in 1943–1944.

Post-independence assignments

Following India's independence in 1947, Benjamin Abraham Samson assumed command of the HMIS Sutlej (U95), a Black Swan-class sloop transferred from the Royal Navy, where he oversaw its integration into the newly formed amid the transition from colonial to sovereign operations. In May 1948, Samson, now promoted to , was appointed Naval Adviser to the of India in the , a posting in that lasted until December 1950 and involved coordinating naval procurement, training exchanges, and diplomatic liaison with British authorities during the early years of India's naval self-reliance. Returning to in early 1951, Samson was elevated to acting and appointed Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters in on 14 1951, a role he held until June 1954, focusing on manpower development, recruitment reforms, and welfare policies shaped by his operational insights. During this tenure, he received substantive promotion to on 31 1953. In 1954, Samson transitioned back to sea duty as Flag Captain aboard the cruiser INS Delhi (C74), the flagship of the , serving from 1954 to 1957 under S.G. Karmalkar and contributing to fleet exercises and international port visits that bolstered the navy's post-independence operational readiness.

Flag rank and command roles

Samson reached flag rank as a and became the first naval officer appointed as of the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, serving from 1959 to 1962. In this role, he led the joint training institution for future officers of the , , and , emphasizing integrated military education during the early years of the academy's operations. His prior service as Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters from 1951 to 1954 contributed to his elevation to these senior commands. Following the NDA posting, Samson assumed the position of Commanding Indian Fleet on 8 January 1964, a role he held until 31 May 1966. During this period, he directed fleet operations and advanced modernization efforts. In April 1965, under his command, the Indian Fleet responded to Pakistan's in the , demonstrating naval support in the border skirmishes. Samson's strategic leadership enhanced the Indian Navy's operational readiness amid post-independence expansion. Samson retired from active duty in 1966 at the rank of , having shaped key aspects of naval doctrine and fleet capabilities through his flag-level assignments. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was later promoted to the honorary rank of effective 1972.

Later life

Civilian career and contributions

After retiring from the in 1966, Benjamin Abraham Samson was appointed of Limited, where he served until 1973. In this role, he oversaw major advancements in 's shipbuilding infrastructure, drawing on his extensive naval experience to modernize operations and promote indigenous capabilities. A pivotal achievement under Samson's leadership was the INS Nilgiri project, which resulted in the construction of 's first indigenously built modern frigate. Launched in 1968 and commissioned on 3 June 1972 by Prime Minister , INS Nilgiri represented a landmark in self-reliant naval production, incorporating advanced design elements from collaborations with while achieving significant localization of manufacturing processes at . This initiative not only boosted the yard's technical expertise but also laid the foundation for future warship construction programs in . Beyond , Samson extended his influence to broader industrial leadership as Chairman of the (CII), where he facilitated reconciliation between the organization's eastern and western zones, enhancing collaborative efforts for national economic growth. He also chaired Philips India, guiding the company's expansion in electronics and consumer goods , and served as Vice Chairman of Damodar Bulk Carriers, contributing to the development of India's commercial shipping sector. These positions highlighted Samson's enduring impact on post-independence maritime and industrial progress, bridging precision with corporate innovation to support India's self-sufficiency goals.

Death and legacy

Vice Admiral Benjamin Abraham Samson passed away on 18 March 2008 in , , at the age of 91. In recognition of his distinguished service as Flag Officer Commanding the Indian Fleet, Samson was awarded the (PVSM) in 1966. His legacy endures as a pioneer in Indian naval , marked by his role as one of the early flag officers to command the fleet during a period of post-independence expansion and his contributions to indigenous shipbuilding as Chief Executive Officer of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, where he oversaw the construction of the lead frigate INS Nilgiri. Samson also broke ground as the first naval officer to serve as Commandant of the National Defence Academy, emphasizing discipline and strategic training for future armed forces leaders. Within the naval community, Samson is remembered for his integrity and uprightness, often described as the "moral ballast" of the , and his instrumental role in establishing the Indian Naval Police Force as its first . In the Jewish community, he is celebrated as a trailblazing figure whose high-ranking service highlighted the contributions of Indian Jews to national defense, fostering pride and visibility for the community. A birth centenary tribute in 2016, organized by his family, underscored his lasting influence through presentations of his life and career, including diplomatic efforts as India's inaugural naval in . His broader influence extends to his family, with daughter emerging as a renowned dancer and cultural administrator.
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