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Antonina IvanihinaMember of the underground organization 'Young Guard'.
Date of Birth: 15.04.1923
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Biography of Antonina Ivanikhina
Antonina Alexandrovna Ivanikhina was a member of the underground organization "Molodaya Gvardiya" (Young Guard). She was posthumously awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class, and the Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War," 1st Class.
Early Life
Antonina Alexandrovna Ivanikhina was born on April 15, 1923, in the village of Pervomayka, Krasnodon district. Her father, Aleksandr Ivanovich, worked at the No. 1-bis mine, while her mother, Olga Dmitrievna, raised eight children. The family was large and close-knit, and Antonina grew up as a cheerful and joyful girl. She excelled in her studies and was loved by her schoolmates for her lively nature and willingness to help others. Antonina had a passion for the poetry of T. G. Shevchenko and actively participated in school events. In 1939, she joined the Komsomol (the Communist Union of Youth) and dreamt of becoming a doctor. Her caring nature led her to take care of sick family members, which confirmed her decision to pursue a career in healthcare. Antonina enrolled in a nursing school after completing seven years of education at Pervomayskaya School. She quickly gained popularity among her classmates for her energetic personality and excellent academic performance.
Contribution during World War II
In June 1940, Antonina graduated from nursing school and began working as a nurse at the Krasnodon City Hospital. She showed great warmth and compassion towards the patients, always finding kind words to comfort them. In April 1941, she was assigned to work in the surgical department of the city hospital in Nadvornaya, Ivano-Frankivsk oblast. However, at the outbreak of war, Antonina decided to join the frontlines as a fearless nurse. She frequently ventured into the battlefield to rescue wounded soldiers. Unfortunately, her medical unit was surrounded, and she was captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp. Despite the hardships, Antonina continued to tend to the wounded and assist the weak. In September 1941, she organized an escape with several other female prisoners of war. Although they failed to cross the frontlines, Antonina managed to find refuge in the pre-frontline area in Donbass.
In September 1942, Antonina returned to Krasnodon and joined the underground organization "Molodaya Gvardiya" along with her younger sister, Lilia. The Ivanikhin family's apartment became a meeting place for members of the First of May Group, including Nina Minaeva, Alexandra Bondareva, and Nina Gerasimova, where they wrote leaflets. As instructed by the headquarters, Antonina collected weapons and medical supplies. However, on January 11, 1943, Antonina Ivanikhina was arrested by the Nazis. Despite enduring prolonged torture, she displayed immense courage and maintained her sense of humor, becoming an example of resilience and heroism for her fellow prisoners. She continued to care for her comrades, even in her weakened state.
Legacy and Honors
On January 16, 1943, Antonina Ivanikhina was executed and thrown into the pit of the No. 5 mine. Her mutilated body was discovered, with her eyes removed, head bandaged with a scarf and wire, and her chest cut open. She was buried in a mass grave of heroes in the central square of Krasnodon. Antonina Alexandrovna Ivanikhina was posthumously awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class, and the Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War," 1st Class, for her bravery and sacrifice during World War II.
