Born: 1920
Died: April 25, 2015, Canada
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Medals: Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
Fates before joining 1st Polish Armored Division:
When Leopold was at the age of seventeen, his father, who served as the chief of police, was killed by Russian communists during what is now known as the Katyn Massacre. Leopold, along with his mother, sister, and two brothers, was compelled to reside in Siberia, where his sister tragically perished due to starvation. Thanks to Sikorski – Mayski Pact he was released from Soviet captivity and evacuated to Middle East with Polish Army under General Władysław Anders in 1942.
Military service in 1st Armored Division:
Over time, Leopold managed to reach England, where he joined the ranks of the First Polish Armoured Division, which was attached to a Canadian Division. He actively participated in the Normandy Invasion, earning France’s highest accolade for his valor.
After War:
After the war, Leopold (Leo) relocated to Toronto, where he got married and eventually established himself in Brantford. There, he applied his carpentry expertise to renovating homes and running a rental business. Leo was a passionate organic gardener who found joy in tending to his farm. He was also an engaged member of the Polish Combatants (SPK) of Brantford, with a particular interest in sharing his wartime experiences with young people during speaking engagements at local schools.
author : Robert Stanczyk
source : archives of Orliński Museum, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada