Jan Paczkowski was born at Mosarz, Wilno province, Poland, on 19 September 1910. He fought in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Russians, and was sent to a Prisoner of War camp in Siberia.

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When ‘amnesty’ was declared, Jan made the perilous journey south to join the Polish army that was being formed there. He enlisted in the Polish 2nd Corps on 15 February 1942. Serving as Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion, he saw active service in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign, including the battle of Monte Cassno.  

 

His dog tag reads: A.P. 1910 43/III Rz. Kat. Paczkowski Jan

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Jan was awarded the following medals:

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Polish:

·       Cross of Valour

·       Army Active Service Medal

·       Monte Cassino Cross

British:

·       1939-45 Star

         Italy Star
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Jan was discharged to the reserve on 13 November 1946 and emigrated to Canada on a two-year work contract. He was awarded citizenship in March 1954, bringing with him the distinguishing feature of a 'scar on left cheek', no doubt a reminder of his time in Italy. He married Muriel Frances Estabrooks, and they raised three children: Madeline, Florence, and Walter.

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Jan was a member of the Sackville Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He died on 11 November 1986 at the age of 76 years. He was buried in the Four Corners Cemetery, Sackville, New Brunswick.

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Source: Various Facebook posts

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Copyright: Paczkowski family

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