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A struggle

Marceli Jamrozy

My father, who was an officer in the Polish army, was murdered in the Katyn massacre in 1940. Five of my family died of starvation and disease in Siberian forced-labour camps, and my sister didn't survive our evacuation to Iran. My elder brother joined the Polish army and I was left alone to reach New Zealand. I am bitter that our country was sold to Soviet Russia by our allies into half a century of bondage under communism.

After leaving school, I was pressured to work on a farm, which I did not want to do, and then I chose a trade certificate in carpentry and joinery. I have earthquake construction experience, and worked as an electrician at the control panels for a power station and as a site supervisor for Fletcher Housing. After moving to Australia, I obtained a builder's licence and became self employed.