Roger Ogibowski

Gunner / Lance Bombardier
Royal Canadian Artillery

Service Summary

Roger Ogibowski enlisted on January 12, 1943, at the age of 20. He trained at Portage la Prairie and Camp Shilo on artillery guns before proceeding overseas to England.

Wartime Experience

Roger served with the 5th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and by July 1944 was in combat in France.

Later promoted to Lance Bombardier, he transferred to the 6th Canadian Field Regiment and served in:

• France

• Holland

• Belgium

• Germany (repatriation duties after victory)

His commanding officer described him as “well-suited to battle.”

Post-Service Life

After the war, Roger returned deeply affected by the trauma and losses of combat.

Through the Veterans Land Act, he was assisted in purchasing a farm near Minnedosa.

He lived with post-traumatic stress for the remainder of his life and rarely spoke of the war, though shortly before his death in 1991 he wrote a moving remembrance on the cost of war, sacrifice, and freedom.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• 1939–45 Star

• France and Germany Star