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Writer's pictureTranscona Museum

Lives of the Second World War: Andrew Kostyk

KOSTYK, ANDREW

Private

H/20946

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, R.C.I.C.

Date of Death: 29/08/1944

 

Biographical Information


Andrew Kostyk was born on 22 May 1919 in East Selkirk, Manitoba. He was the son of Fred and Eva Kostyk and was one of 12 children. Three of his brothers would also enlist in the Second World War.


He married Olivia Steka in October 1941. The couple lived at 9 McMeans Avenue West in Transcona. He was employed at Paulin-Chambers in Winnipeg prior to his enlistment.


Military Service

Andrew enlisted on 3 November 1941 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and joined the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. He first trained in Canada and then proceeded to the United Kingdom in 1942 for further training. He was sent to France on 7 July 1944 with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders as part of the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. In late August, the 2nd Division moved to Forêt de la Londe, along the valley of the River Seine. From 27 to 29 August, the 4th and 6th Brigades were engaged in heavy fighting against the rearguard of German forces seekings to withdraw across the River Seine. Pte. Kostyk was killed in action on 29 August 1944 on the final day of the struggle for the Forêt de la Londe.


For his service, Pte. Kostyk was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp.


Burial and Commemorations


Pte. Kostyk is buried at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery (XVII. F. 8.) in France. In 1972, Kostyk Lake in Manitoba (located east of Lac Brochet) was named after Andrew.


At this time, Andrew Kostyk is not commemorated on the Transcona Cenotaph. Following the rededication of the cenotaph in 2011, a family member informed the Transcona Museum that his name was missing from the Second World War plaques. His name will be added to the plaques when the cenotaph is rededicated in the future, along with other names that have been identified as missing.


Pte. Kostyk is included in a new series of plaques commemorating the World War fallen from Transcona on display in the Field of Honour at the Transcona Cemetary.


Lest We Forget.

 

Sources




Central School Honour Roll, Transcona Museum.



Transcona Museum Archives.


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