Private Francis Sikorski

Born on 4 November 1881 in Russia (moved to Canada c.1891) - son of Thomas Sikorski, Pembroke, Ontario - nephew of Mrs. Angelina Meindl, Montreal, Quebec - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as rodman - surveyor; single; no current or previous military service; Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 3 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; bluish grey eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, on 24 February 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410401) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Sikorski's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)