Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Military Service

Additional Information

Son of Joseph and Martha Zatonski, of Brantford, Ontario. Husband of Constance Mary (née Bunce) Zatonski, of Seaway Mount, Seaway Lane, Cockington, Torquay, South Devon, England. The family settled in Canada in 1926. At Central School in Brantford, Alex was active in its Skylark Club. He later attended Brantford Collegiate Institute where he earned the respect of his teachers and coaches for both his academic achievements and for his athletic prowess, especially football. Prior to the invasion of Poland, 24 year old Alexander was in London, England attempting to arrange immediate transportation to the 'old country'. Bitterly disappointed that he was unable to fight for his parents homeland, Alex joined the Royal Air Force rather than return to Canada. After some time in the RAF, he met his wife and they were married on 21 May 1941. On October 23, 1941, he was posted to the 238 Squadron and left Glasgow, Scotland, and a few days later for the Middle East. On 6 December 1941, he flew his first sortie over the desert, later in the day, on his second sortie, the plane in which he was flying was attacked from above. He regretfully never met his son, John Alexander. The City of Brantford named Zatonski Avenue for Flight Officer Alexander Zatonski, and registered it on 29 March 2001.

Commemorated on Page 615 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.