Honouring Canadian Soldiers on Remembrance Day

Fighting For Freedom

Walter Sledzion—a Polish soldier who served with the Commonwealth forces during the Italian Campaign in World War II—was a remarkable man.

He survived being captured by enemy forces four times before eventually becoming a Canadian citizen.

"Walter was interned in a Soviet prisoner-of-war camp until the Soviets released him and fellow Polish soldiers in 1941," says Ethan Sosnowski, a second-year history student at Lakehead Orillia.

This was only the beginning of Walter's contributions to the war effort.

Walter Sledzion (left, in the framed photograph) trained in British-controlled Iraq with the Polish 5th Kresowa Infantry Division between 1941 and 1944 before fighting with the 2nd Polish Corps during the Italian Campaign.

He was transferred to Italy in 1944, where he fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Ancona. At Monte Cassino, Walter was captured twice and escaped twice. At Ancona, he was injured by grenade shrapnel and taken prisoner for a final time before being liberated in May 1945. He spent another year serving with the Allied occupation forces in Italy.

"After immigrating to Canada, Walter regularly visited Royal Canadian Legions and attended veteran get-togethers to support his fellow service members," Ethan says.

It is stories like Walter's that Ethan wants to ensure are not forgotten.

A History Teacher Sparks a Lifelong Quest

Ethan purchased Walter's uniform three months ago for his collection of military items. Ethan began acquiring wartime paraphernalia—including uniforms, helmets, weapons, and medals—after being inspired by his grade 10 history teacher to learn more about World War veterans.

"Walter's uniform is the showpiece of my collection," Ethan says. "It's a 1940 Commonwealth battle dress. Walter didn't have his own uniform because it was taken from him after he was captured by the Soviet army."

His uniform is one of several owned by Ethan that will be on display at Lakehead Orillia this week in honour of Remembrance Day.

"I think it's incredibly valuable for students to learn about veterans," Ethan says. He devotes much of his spare time to arranging for his pieces to be exhibited at schools and community organizations.

Uncovering Forgotten Heroes

Ethan continues to add to his collection because he believes it will help Canadians remember the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom and our democracy.

Canadians will gather at Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country, including at the National War Memorial in Ottawa (above), to pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members.

Being a collector of military items has encouraged Ethan to learn about the soldiers who originally owned them. He searches archives for information, going through enlistment records, casualty cards, and medal citations. He's also helped people discover more about family members in the Canadian Armed Forces.

"I do this because I want to bring the stories of soldiers back into the light," Ethan says.

"I found that Ontario's high school history curriculum is too broad. It's only by looking into the experiences of individuals that you can better understand what life was like during wartime."

"I have to take a lot of care in storing and keeping the uniforms clean," Ethan says. He has a total of seven uniforms, several helmets, a Lee-Enfield gun, and many medals, including his grandfather's World War II defence medals.

"Studying history can prevent calamities from the past from being repeated," adds Ethan, who is concerned about misinformation he sees on social media that aims to distort historical memory.

"When museums and educational institutions post videos about the Holocaust, for instance, you see people in the comments sections denying and distorting history to suit their own narrative."

Visit Lakehead Orillia's Remembrance Day Display

At the Orillia campus, the uniforms of the servicemen below will be displayed, along with biographical information and photos:

• World War II Polish soldier Walter Sledzion
• World War I unknown Canadian soldier
• World War II Captain Joseph Matthew Schulde (member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps)
• World War II Regimental Sergeant Major and Warrant Officer First Class Charles Joseph Rouse (member of the Royal Canadian Artillery)

This week, the Lakehead community will have the opportunity to learn about the men who wore these uniforms. "History often feels unreal because it's so far removed in time," Ethan says. "But seeing items helps you understand that these were real people and makes history feel more authentic."

Like Walter Sledzion, Ethan makes a point of visiting local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. "I like to meet veterans and ask them questions—and I encourage others to talk to veterans. It shows them that you care about them and that you appreciate their service."

Everyone is invited to view the Remembrance Day display in Simcoe Hall's Learning Commons throughout the day on November 11 and on the morning of November 12.