Sergeant Zbigniew "Robert" Gondek

Polish Second Corps, British Eighth Army
Mississauga, Ontario

Mr. Zbigniew "Robert" Gondek was born in Poland on January 31, 1924. At 15 years of age Mr. Gondek was deported to Russia where he subsequently joined the Polish Army. After travelling through the Middle East with his regiment, the Polish Second Corps, Mr. Gondek arrived in Italy in December, 1943.

Wounded in Loretto, Italy in July 1944, Mr. Gondek spent a year in hospital care in Italy and Scotland. He was awarded the Virtutu Militari, the Polish Army's highest medal for bravery. Following rehabilitation, Mr. Gondek attended commercial college in Scotland for four years before immigrating to Canada in 1954. He worked as a Field Auditor for the Province of Ontario until 1974 and then as the General Manager for the War Amps Toronto Branch until his retirement in 1989.

Since retiring Mr. Gondek enjoys gardening and golfing as well as the company of his wife, Maria. The Gondek's have four children and two grandchildren. This will be Mr. Gondek's second trip to Italy this year as he travelled to Monte Cassino in May to mark the 60th anniversary of that battle.