Albert Paramanathan was born in April 1919 in Kampark, Perak, Federated Malay States (now Malaysia). His parents were V. Richard and Elizabeth A. Thambyrajah. He had at least one brother.
By 1942, Albert was living in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was selected to be part of the third batch of RAF recruits from Ceylon.
In 1940, the colonial government of Ceylon began seek volunteers to serve with British military forces to support the war effort. About 15,000 applications to join the RAF were received. From these, just 15 men were selected to make up the first batch from Ceylon for the RAF. They reached the UK to enlist in London in September 1941. The second batch enlisted in December 1941. The third batch, of 11 men, including Albert Paramanathan, began flying training in 1942 in Ceylon at the Aero Club in Ratmalana. They reached London to enlist in November 1942. Albert appears to be only one of his batch to die in service.
In September 1943, Albert was training with No.4 (TT) Wing at RAF Cosford. His course photograph suggests he was training as a flight mechanic.
At some point Albert finished flying training and was awarded his wings.
In March 1946 he was No.61 Operational Training Unit at RAF Keevil in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. 61 OTU trained men flying single-seater fighters for operational squadron duties. On 21 March, Albert was flying his Spitfire at low level around RAF Keevil when it stalled, crashed, and caught fire. He was killed in the crash. Albert was buried in the RAF section of Bath (Haycombe) Cemetery, where CWGC is proud to care for his grave.
Both his brother and his father were in touch with the War Graves Commission to confirm details for his headstone and cemetery register entry and both suggested an inscription for his headstone. Both were living in Jaffna, Ceylon, at the time. They requested a Cross to appear on the headstone, and his father's suggested inscription is the one which was carved beneath it. 'Melita' is the name of Alfred's parents' home in Jaffna.
REALITY IS A STONE IN MORTAR
THE COMMANDMENT
IN THE FATHER
"MELITA"
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