family name kalenchenko/klink

[andre.king]

I am trying to trace my fathers family who originated from Kalynivka. Does anyone know where it is? There appears to be several towns/villages named as kalynivka.One other spelling is Kalinywka and I also think it might be Kalynova. Thanks Andre

[Albatross]

Hi Andre,

You better post your message on the Genealogy board. You're more likely to get an answer there.

[V-G]

I moved the post here, just as Albatross suggested, it is a better place for it.

[Hannia]

I found some 45+ same named villages in Ukraine.

What is Father's full name and what is the family history? Do you have any documentation for him? Where did he immigrate and where did he settle upon immigration? Appx when?

What religion did Father pratice?

[andre.king]

Hi Hannia. thanks for the reply. My father
Albert Klink (Alexa Kalenchenko), came to the
United Kingdom as a displaced person after the war in
1947. We were recently awarded compensation as a result of his slave
labour in Germany (Ostarbeiter).However, I dont think the Red Cross had any definite records on which to base this decision. We have never been
able to trace any of his relatives or verify his real name. His mother and
sister were in East germany at the end of the war and
his brother had been killed in Yugoslavia in
1944. My father died some 5 years ago and the
information that we have is very inaccurate as the
memories of that time were extremely difficult for him
to deal with. We now have a transcript of an interview
he gave to the UK Home Office in 1952 when he cited
his real name as Alexa Kalenchenko, born in Kalyniwka,
near kyviv (Kiev) 15th September 1928
Father Adam (seized by the Russians 1933)
Mother Maria-last seen in East Germany
Brother Pavelo- believed to have died in Yugoslavia 1944
Sister Walentina (Valentina) last seen in East
Germany

From the discussions I had with him, I believe that he
spent time in the Kiev region before being taken into
Germany as a slave labourer. Of course, since we do not
have any records to base our assumptions on, I am determined to try to uncover his
true wartime experiences and perhaps, trace family
members who may still be alive.My father spent most of his life in fear of being sent back to the Russians and always avoided telling the truth.
In terms of religion he was Greek Orthodox and I believe that there are some records of Greek orthodox births deaths and marriage in Kalynivka at the Kiev State Archives. I will be visiting the Ukraine in early August to see if I can locate the village. If anyone can help me locate the right Kalynivka, I would very much appreciate it. Is there a Kalynivka near Mariupol. He said that he came from a small village near there but this is not what he said to the British Authorities. Thanks for reading this. Andre

[Serhii]

Hello Andre,

Have to say that the second name Kalenchenko looks a bit strange as well. I think it is clear your father ( and all family) originally were/are from Central/Eastern Ukraine. It is just where I live and write this message from. Kalyna is perhaps the most beloved plant in our regions. I think Kalenchenko could be Kalynychenko. It is a very popular and very nice surname in Ukraine. They could be the Kalynychenko from a village of Kalynivka. His brother for sure was Pawlo ( never Pavelo ). If in Russian it is Pavel.

As for me you should concentrate on Kyiv, Cherkasy,Poltava regions. I doubt very much about Mariupol and that region.

BTW, on Sanday I with my family go to the sea side in that direction ( the Azov sea ). I will try to learn about all possible Kalynivkas in that area. If I find anything I'll write here in 10 days.

Hannia has found 45 names for you ! It is very popular indeed. Good luck ! And welcome to Ukraine !

[andre.king]

Thanks Serhii, I appreciate your reply. When my father was interviewed by the English authorities they wrote down the information given in their interpretation as my father could not speak ot write English particularly well. How is Kalynichenko written in Ukrainian? I appreciate your efforts on my behalf and hope you have a wonderful holiday. Andre