Michal was born on 28 December 1920 in Trembowla, Poland, to Wojciech and Agnieszka Maslanka. At 19 years of age, Michal and his family were separated when he was forcibly deported to a northern labour camp in the USSR at the start of World War Two.

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When ‘amnesty’ was declared for imprisoned Poles in the USSR, Michal made his way south to join the Polish army that was forming there. He evacuated to Persia (now Iran) with the army and trained in Iraq and Palestine before volunteering to join the Polish Air Force in the UK. He received intense training as a radio navigator once in the UK and received the rank of Flight Sergeant. Among other battles, he served in the battle of the Atlantic. He was awarded the Polish Air Force medal, the British 1939-1945 War medal, and the British Defence medal.

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In 1946, he met and married Leokadia, who served in the Women’s Auxiliary of the Polish Air Force also stationed at R.A.F. station Hucknall in Nottingham. Following their emigration to Canada, Michael and Leokadia began their new family in Winnipeg.

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In the early 1950s, Michal worked as a tailor at the Manitoba Clothing Co., and eventually became the head designer and manager at the Freed & Freed Co., until his retirement. During his tenure, Michal was well known within the Canadian Department of Supply and Services for the precise fit of the military tunics he designed. He was also known for producing quality outer wear under the London Fog label. Michal was well liked by his co-workers and respected as a mentor. He earned many friends in his other pursuits as a golfer, curler, and fisherman.

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Michal served on the executive board as Vice President of the Polish Combatants Association Branch #13 in Winnipeg.

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Michal Maslanka passed in Winnipeg on 26 July 2014 at the age of 93. He was buried at the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery

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Copyright: Maslanka family

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