| Rank | AC2, Flying Officer (Air Bomber) |
| Service # | J/35525 |
| Unit # | 419 Moose Sqdn., R.C.A.F. |
| Resident | Dresden |
Born in 1920 the son of John and Maria Palanek; husband of Ludmila Palanek, of Riverside, Ontario, Canada. The brother of Captain Frank G. Palanek RCAMC.
Tony enlisted at RCAF Trenton. Received his Bombadier Wings in 1944.
“Tony” had been reported missing on air operations over enemy territory 21 March, 1945. He had been overseas with Bomber Command for about a year. The CDN14/10/45 reported that he had been “officially listed as dead.”
Flying Officer Palanek was killed in action, during aerial engagement over France on March 21st, 1945.
Age: 25, KIA. Date of Death: 21/03/1945,.
While flying in Lancaster bomber # KB 786 on air Ops. target the Heide refinery at Hemmingstedt, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 786, blew up in the air and crashed west of the Kiel Canal, near Odderace, Germany. This was F/O Palanek’s 18 mission. The only survivor G. E. Aitken was taken as POW.
Age: 25, KIA. Date of Death: 21/03/1945, “ Pilot Officer Palanek took off 21 March, 1945 to attack an important industrial center in Western Germany. The attack was successful but crew of the bomber had not made contact since their take off. He had been involved in eighteen attacks against German industrial targets in support of the allied land forces.” Lillian Palanek
While flying in Lancaster bomber # KB 786 on air Ops. target the Heide refinery at Hemmingstedt, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 786, blew up in the air and crashed west of the Kiel Canal, near Odderace, Germany. This was F/O Palanek’s 18 mission. The only survivor G. E. Aitken was taken as POW.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Awards | C.V.S.M. with Clasp, 1939 to 1945 Star, Defense of Britain Medal |
| Sources | City of Chatham Roll of Honour at McGeorge Bldg., Chatham, ON. CWGC., They Shall Grow Not Old (lists F/O Palanek being from Chatham, ON.)., Lillian Palanek (sister-in-law) |
| Supplemental Information | Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave 5A. L. 6-9. Cemetery: HAMBURG CEMETERY - Germany. |
| Age | 21 |
| Birthplace | Born- June 13, 1921 |
| When Enlisted | May 21st, 1941 |
| Next of Kin | Parents- Mr. John & Mrs. Mary Palanek |
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