Achtymichuk, Alexander
Personal Information
Rank | P/O |
Forename(s) | Alexander |
Surname | Achtymichuk |
Gender | M |
Age | 24 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 23-04-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of Andrew T. Achtymichuk and Mary Achtymichuk (née Sukiwski), of Andrew, Alberta, Canada. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax III |
Serial Number | LK802 |
Markings | AL-F |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Runnymede Memorial |
Grave Reference | Panel 249. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 121 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | J/87053 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 6 |
Squadron | 429 (Bison) |
Trade | Navigator |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Miscellaneous Information
Alexander was born on 23 November 1919 in Andrew, Alberta. His father was a farmer from Austria and Alexander had five brothers and six sisters. He was born on a farm and had six years of mixed farming experience. He attended the Grammar School in Andrew between 1 September 1928 and 30 June 1936, then High School 1 September 1936 - 30 June 1939 studying Science, English and Maths, followed by the Aero Industries Technical Institute 9 October 1939 - 21 June 1940 where he studied as an Aircrafts man and Aero Engine Mechanic. Alexander had been working as an Aircraft Mechanic before enlisting on the 9 August 1940. He also had a First Aid Certificate and could type 25 words per minute. |
After his initial training, he was posted to the U.K., disembarking on 4 June 1943 and going to 3PRC. Then followed 3 (O) AFU on 24 August. 1943, 22 OTU, 61 Base on 25 Jan 1944, 1666 CU until finally reaching 429 Squadron on 14 March 1944. |
Alexander’s hobby was building model aeroplanes. He was also specially qualified in sheet metal, welding, steel fittings and riveting. The sports he enjoyed were basketball, baseball and softball. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1853/8 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1853/7 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 22-04-1944 |
End Date | 22-04-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Leeming |
Day/Night Raid | Night |
Operation | Düsseldorf. 596 aircraft, 29 losses (4.9%). 2150 tones of bombs were dropped, causing considerable damage, mainly to the northern districts. 56 large industrial premises were hit, of which 7 were destroyed. More than 2000 homes were destroyed, 883 people killed and 593 injured, although these figures were compiled before all the missing had been dug out. |
Reason for Loss | Thought to have been hit by flak and crashed in a flooded area near Herkingen, Holland |