Barbara “ Basia” Irene Mundziakiewicz Duris was born on January 14, 1949 in Penley, Wales, to Polish Army 1st Lieutenant Mieczylaw and Nurse Stefania, both recipients of honor medals under the auspices of the British Army for their heroism at the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. Her sister, Christine, was born in Bari, Italy, after the war.