Poland in Australia

On 17 January 2026, Mr Jan Markut celebrated his 100th birthday at a ceremony held in Grassmere, New South Wales. The anniversary celebrations were attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Piotr Rakowski, who extended birthday wishes to the
Jubilarian, handed him a letter of congratulations and presented him with traditional Polish sweets.

Mr. Jan was born on 22 January 1926 in Trzydnik Mały in Poland. During the Second World War, he was a member of the Polish Army corps stationed at that time in Palestine, where Polish units underwent training alongside the British Army. He was then transferred to No. 300 Polish Bomber Squadron, a formation of the Polish Air Forces in Great Britain, where he served until the end of the war. In 1949, he emigrated to Australia and settled permanently in Sydney.  

Mr Jan is probably the last veteran of 300 Squadron. His military decorations include: 
Jerusalem Cross, Siberian Exiles Cross, Pro Memoria Medal,Polish Armed Forces in the West Military Action Cross,Polish Air Force Medal 1939–1945,Polish Army Medal 1939–1945,1939–1945 Star,Defence Medal,War Medal 1939–1945.

We extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to Mr. Jan, expressing our gratitude for his dedicated service in defense of the Fatherland.