From Liam D’Arcy-Brown
(Flt-Lt ?) Adrian Rowe-Evans was based at Trincomalee during the war, and saw action against the cruiser Haguro during Operation Dukedom. In 1955, he flew what was (as I understand) the last operational sortie of a Spitfire, at the Queen’s birthday flypast at Kai Tak aerodrome. His Spitfire is now preserved at Duxford. He died aged 90 on August 7th.
His funeral will take place on Tuesday, August 27th at 12 noon, at St. Nicholas’ Church, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Any FAA veterans are welcome to attend.
From records
V4597 -785 Sqn Crail, ART, failed to pull out in time, hit sea and sank Cat Z 9.10.43 (Mid ACT Rowe-Evans OK)
LS345 – 756 Sqn Katukurunda, failed to gain height, struck trees, Cat Z 12.3.44 (Mid ACT Rowe-Evans OK)
LS441 – 756 Sqn Katukurunda, EF on TO, FL Cat Z1 4.8.44 (Mid ACT Rowe-Evans OK)
He got a Mention in Dispatches for Operation Dukedom (London Gazette 18 Sep 45)