By Isle of Wight Observer
A much-loved Polish World War II veteran, who made the Island his home, passed away this week at the age of 101.
The death of Colonel Otton Hulacki, who served with distinction in the Polish 2nd Corps, was formally announced by the Polish Embassy in London. His remarkable journey began at the age of 17, when he joined the Polish Underground Resistance, only to be apprehended and deported to Siberia along with his mother and siblings. He joined the Polish army after Stalin agreed to release tens of thousands of Polish prisoners from Soviet camps. Otton fought in the pivotal battles of Monte Cassino, Ancona, and Bologna, but after the war found himself unable to return to his homeland, which was now under Soviet rule, and settled on the Island.
He was well-known for his dedication to the Polish community in the UK, both on the Island and further afield. He co-founded the Friends of Blyskawica Society, which commemorated the defence of Cowes by the Polish warship, ORP Blyskawica. In 2019 he was proud to be one of the Polish veterans invited to the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Festival at the Royal Albert Hall, when the Polish contribution at the Battle of Monte Cassino was recognised. Otton was also an active member of the Friends of Polish Veterans Association in Southampton and the Medical Aid for Poland Fund. He was instrumental in organising and fund-raising for the restoration of the Polish memorial in Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth.
His close friend, Geoff Banks, said: “It has been a pleasure, honour and reward to have shared a small part of that greatly fulfilled life with him.”
A tribute on the Polish Embassy’s Facebook page said: “We mourn the loss of Colonel Otton Hulacki, a valiant #WW2 veteran, a soldier of Gen Anders’ PL 2nd Corps, who has passed away. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
There will be a funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 15 at 1pm, in St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church, Cowes, followed by a committal at the IW Crematorium at 3pm.