Napoleon Milejszo

Polish Air Force in the UK

Napoleon Milejszo was born in Poland in 1918, and was raised in Wilno.

At a young age, Napoleon had to face many hurdles in his life, which would include fighting in the September Campaign in Poland in the Second World War and being captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia.

When ‘amnesty’ for Polish prisoners held in Russia was declared, Napoleon journeyed south to join the Polish army being formed there. He evacuated to Persia with the army, then volunteered for The Polish Air Force.

He was sent to England where he was trained and obtained his wings and rank as a Flight Sergeant. His time in the Air Force was brief as the war ended shortly after.

After the war, he emigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina where he worked at various jobs to support his family. Then in 1952, he and his family had the opportunity to move to Canada. Once Napoleon settled in Winnipeg, he again had various jobs to support his family until one day he found his passion in photography. This resulted in the establishment of the Napoleon Studio.

He spent 30 plus years in the photography business, and he photographed many people, including Queen Elizabeth II, former Premier Edward Schreyer, to countless weddings, baptisms and passport photos. His commitment to the profession resulted in him being one of the founding members of the Professional Photographers Association of Manitoba. Upon retiring, he not only continued his photography of people, but really found a love in photographing images of nature and wildlife.

Napoleon Milejszo passed away in Winnipeg on 10 October 2006, at the age of 88 years. He was buried at the Holy Ghost Cemetery.