Bolesław “Bolek” Ostrowski was born in Poland, but now his hometown lies in Ukraine. During his youth, these lands were occupied by the Russians. In 1939, in order to avoid being incorporated into the Red Army, he fled to the confederate neighbours of Poland.
However, the Russians found him and sentenced him to exile. Then his wandering began — first he went to Kazakhstan and then, among another things, Iran. Only from there did he get to Europe.
In 1942, after respective years of wandering, he and another Polish soldiers arrived in Scotland, but did not stay there long. As early as 16 September 1944, he found himself in the Netherlands, where as a associate of his brigade he took part in Operation marketplace Garden, besides known as the conflict of Arnhem.
Heroic conflict of Arnhem
Operation marketplace Garden was the largest airborne action carried out by the Allied during planet War II. About 2 1000 Polish soldiers from the 1st Parade Brigade commanded by Gen. Sosabowski took part. Among them was Bolesław Ostrowski.
When he was only 25 years old, he and his peers fought a heroic fight that unfortunately failed. The Allies had to admit the advantage of the 3rd Reich forces.
After the end of planet War II, Ostrowski settled in Canada, but frequently returned to the Netherlands. The Commitant was appreciated there by a local community that expressed his gratitude for his dedication to their country.
Bolek Ostrowski was the last surviving Polish soldier of the 1st Polish Paradox Brigade under General Stanisław Sosabowski, who fought in Operation marketplace Garden during planet War II. He died on 13 March 2025 at the age of 105.
