The Airmen's Stories - P/O A R Zatonski

Alexander Roman Zatonski was born in Philadelphia on November 1st 1915. He arrived in England in 1939, via Canada, and joined the RAF. With training completed at 2 FTS, he joined 79 Squadron at Acklington on July 13th 1940. He took part in operations including that on August 15th when Luftflotte 5 made its ill-fated sortie against northeast England. The squadron moved south to Biggin Hill later in the month and on the 28th Zatonski was shot down in combat over Hythe in Hurricane P2718. He baled out and was treated for burns at Hythe Small Arms School. Zatonski rejoined 79 Squadron on December 4th 1940. In May 1941 he went to the Middle East with 238 Squadron. In the morning of December 6th 1941 he did not return from an engagement with Me109’s and Mc202’s over the Cyrenaican border. He was reported 'Missing' but is known to have been buried by an Army padre. His grave was never found and he is remembered on the Alamein Memorial.

Photographs courtesy of Colonel C R Romberg RA, British Embassy Cairo