GROUP

Polish
Ex-Servicemen’s Association

Objectives

The objectives of The Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SPK) are:

  • To promote understanding and friendship between Polish and New Zealand people.

  • To promote the Polish culture.

  • To help Polish invalids, widows and orphans.

  • To contact and co-operate with organsiations and social institutions – Polish and non-Polish – with similar objectives.

Activities

The Polish Ex-Servicemen Association organises events throughout the year, including commemorating ANZAC Day on 25 April, the Polish Independence Day on 11 November, and the Ex-Servicemen’s Lunch held in August.

Membership

To be eligible to become an ordinary member of The Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Ex-members of the Free Polish Armed Forces.

  • A Pole who participated in the struggle for Poland’s independence.

  • A person of Polish descent who is supporting and actively engaged in a lawful effort for the benefit of independent Poland and for the organisation of the Polish Ex-Servicemen Association.

Contact

President: Tadek Wypych

PO Box 2141
Wellington
New Zealand

SPK@polishcommunity.org.nz

History

The SPK was formed in 1950 by the Polish Ex-Service men and women who served in the Polish Forces in Western Europe and who arrived in New Zealand after the end of World War II. The Association is a component part of the Polish Ex-Combatants Association – World Federation, whose Head Office resides in Great Britain.

22 May 2011 unveiling of commemorative plaque

The anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino was commemorated on 22 May 2011 at the Polish House in Wellington. A ceremony was organized by the SPK – Polish Returned Ex-Servicemen Association and its president Marian Ceregra. The Polish ambassador, Beata Stoczyńska, unveiled a plaque commemorating the participation of Polish settlers in New Zealand who took part in many arenas of World War II. Memories of these difficult years were presented by Mr. Andrzej Matuszewski, Mrs Stefania Sondej and Halina and Wolfgang Passl.

KEY DATES

ANZAC Day
25th April
Polish Independence Day
11th November
Ex-Servicemen’s Lunch
13th August

2011 PLAQUE INSCRIPTION

We remember 280 soldiers, who arrrived in New Zealand from distant Poland, who fought in: The Battle of Britain; Narvik; Tobruk; Monte Cassino; Bologna; Ankara; Faleise; Wilhelmshaven and the Polish underground. Also the soldiers deported to forced labour in Siberia; died in Katyn and to the prisoners of concentration camps. Peace to their memory!