For Outstanding Ability and Devotion to Duty

 

Rohan Amerasekera DFC*

Air Vice Marshal Ekanayake Edward (Rohan) Amerasekera DFC and Bar (RCyAF)

Today being Remembrance Day, I want to write about another Amerasekera who had served in World War 2.

Ekanayake Edward Rohan Amerasekera was among the first batch of volunteers from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). He served with distinction as a Navigator in the RAF Bomber Command, taking part in 52 operations over enemy territory, mostly over Germany.  My dad has written a lengthy article about him on his website which you can find here:

Rohan Amerasekera was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) twice.

The DFC Citation states "This officer has displayed a high degree of courage and determination in navigating his aircraft to the target and back, often under great difficulties. In November 1943 whilst on a flight to a distant target, the oxygen supply failed early in the sortie. P/O. Amerasekera, though suffering from lack of oxygen and extreme cold continued his duties and the mission was successfully completed. This officer has proved himself to be a navigator of outstanding ability."



DFC and BAR

The Citation to the Bar to the DFC states: "This officer has completed his second tour of operational duty. In December 1944, whilst on route to Essen, his aircraft was engaged by searchlights and heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered causing severe damage to the aircraft. Despite the fact that shell splinters penetrated his compartment, F/O. Amerasekera took evasive action and completed his allotted task. His other targets have included the Ruhr Valley, Chemnitz and Hanover. On all occasions, F/O. Amerasekera has set a fine example by his tenacity and devotion to duty."

Jeeves' crew

After the war, he returned to Ceylon and joined the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) at its inception in 1951. He had the distinction of becoming the first Ceylonese to command the RCyAF, with the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

Rohan Amerasekera’s medals are as follows:

Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, 1939-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star with France & Germany bar, War Medal, Defence Medal, Coronation Medal of Queen Elizabeth II, The Ceylon Armed Services Inauguration Medal and the Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal.