Porucznik Marynarki Wojennej
Jerzy Hedinger
1916 - 1993
Lieutenant Jerzy Hedinger served the Polish Navy with distinction throughout World War II, sailing on some of the most famous Polish warships including the legendary destroyer ORP Blyskawica. After the war, he built a new life in Alberta and established a lasting legacy through the Hedinger Family Scholarship Endowment.
Sluzba Wojenna
Wartime Service
Jerzy Hedinger began his naval career as a young officer in the Polish Navy before the outbreak of World War II. When Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, the Polish Navy evacuated to Britain, where it continued to fight alongside the Royal Navy.
During the war, Hedinger served on multiple Polish vessels, including the submarine ORP Rys and the destroyers ORP Blyskawica, ORP Piorun, and ORP Krakowiak. His service took him throughout the Atlantic and English Channel, participating in convoy escort duties and coastal operations.
The ORP Blyskawica, on which Hedinger served, remains preserved today as a museum ship in Gdynia, Poland - one of the only remaining WWII-era destroyers in the world.
Za wolnosc wasza i nasza.
“For your freedom and ours.”
Kalendarium
Life & Service Timeline
Born in Poland
Jerzy Hedinger is born into a family with a tradition of service.
War Begins
Following the German invasion, the Polish Navy evacuates to Britain.
Wartime Service
Serves on ORP Rys, ORP Blyskawica, ORP Piorun, and ORP Krakowiak throughout the war.
End of the War
Like many Polish servicemen, chooses not to return to Soviet-controlled Poland.
Immigration to Canada
Settles in Alberta and builds a new life with his family.
Passing
Jerzy Hedinger passes away, leaving behind a legacy of service.
Scholarship Established
The Hedinger Family Scholarship Endowment is created in memory of Jerzy, Zofia, Kasia, and Adam Hedinger.
Rodzina i Dziedzictwo
Family & Legacy
After the war, Jerzy Hedinger settled in Alberta where he married Zofia. Together they raised their children, Katarzyna (Kasia) and Adam, passing on their Polish heritage and values to the next generation.
The Hedinger Family Scholarship Endowment was established in memory of Jerzy, Zofia, Kasia, and Adam Hedinger. This scholarship supports students of Polish descent at Alberta universities, ensuring that the Hedinger family's commitment to education and community continues.
“Created in memory of Jerzy, Zofia, Kasia and Adam Hedinger”
Stypendium Rodziny Hedingerow
The Hedinger Family Scholarship
Honor Jerzy Hedinger's legacy by applying for the scholarship that bears his family's name. Three $2,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students of Polish descent.