Franciszek Garbiz

Franciszek Garbiz was born on January 1, 1922, in Kazimierzow in the district of Tarnopol, eastern Poland. Like many other Polish families, his too was expelled from their home by the Russians and deported to Siberia, where he was forced to work in the forests. After Germany turned on her previous ally Russia in June 1941, the Polish-government-in-exile negotiated the release of Polish prisoners being held in the USSR, and the formation of a Polish army in the southern USSR.

Franciszek made his way south and joined the newly formed Polish Army. Rhe army was evacuated to Persia (now Iran) and trained in Iran, Iraq, Palestine and Egypt. He was then sent to the Italian front, where he took an active part in the victorious battle of Monte Cassino and the balance of the Italian Campaign. He served in the 2nd Warsaw Armoured Division, 1st Regiment of Ulans of Krychowiec.

He received his honourable discharge in 1947 with the rank of Corporal and was awarded the following Polish medals: the Cross of Valour, the Monte Cassino Cross, the Military Cross and the Cross of the Polish Fighting Forces in the West. His British decorations included the 1939-45 Star, the Italy Star, the Defense Medal, and the War Medal.

He arrived in Canada on a 2-year work contract on May 25, 1947, and after spending some time working on farms, settled in Winnipeg in 1949. He was employed by Canada Iron Foundries and Kipp Kelly as a welder and retired at the age of 62 years.

Throughout his life Frank was involved in many Polish organizations and in particular in the Canadian Polish Branch 246 of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he performed the duties of treasurer for many years. In recognition of his devoted and selfless service, he was awarded the Past Treasurer Medal, Diamond Jubilee Medal, Legion Life Membership, and eventually, the Meritorious Service Medal.

Franciszek passed away on July 20, 2007 in Winnipeg.