The Year of the Veteran - Paul Kolodziej

There is a story that has never been adequately told. I am going to tell it here. It is fitting, because this is the Year of the Veteran.

Paul grew up in Poland. In the early days of the Second World War, he was taken prisoner (in September 1939). He escaped in March 1940. He had a long journey through France, Spain, Gibraltar, Brazil, and Halifax, Canada before he ended up in Scotland. After D-day, Paul, now lieutenant in a Polish unit, was part of the First Canadian Army as it liberated France.

After fierce fighting in the Falaise Gap (another story for another time), Paul, now a captain, was in St. Omer, in northern France. He and three others were ahead of the main part of their unit as they entered Hazebrouck. As they entered the main square of the town, they discovered it was occupied by German troups. Logic said Paul and his two companions should have retreated, and then come back with the rest of their unit. But, instead, Paul posted each of the three others at strategic corners. He himself picked up a bullhorn. In a booming voice, in German, he called out to the German forces in the square to tell them they were surrounded. On cue, his companions poked their rifles (all one had was a broomstick) around the edges of the buildings where they were standing so they were very visible to the Germans. Moving into the open so he could be seen, Paul cried out in German "Throw down your arms, and surrender. " The one hundred and twenty-seven Germans hesitated but a moment, and then laid down their arms. Paul and his three comrades had saved blood and lives through their ruse and they had been successful. Well done Paul.

It was not long after that Paul himself was severely wounded. After a long time in hospital he recovered.

Paul later was decorated for his bravery receiving, among other awards, the Croix de Guerre, the Croix de Valeur and the Croix de Combatants from France for what he did in Hazebrouck.

Paul today lives in Winnipeg. He and his wife have made many contributions to Manitoba over the years they have lived here. We thank you Paul. And we remember you and other Veterans in this Year of the Veteran.

Today, Paul and his wife, Marie, came in to see our new Governor General. Afterwards, they stopped in to visit me in my office where they told me this story. The photo above, taken last summer, shows me with Paul and Marie.