Private Stepan Somek

Born on 26 April 1885 in Podolsk, Russia - husband of Maria Somek, Lewkowtsi, Russia - son of Somek and Palashka Trochim, Lewkowtsi, Russia - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Toronto, Ontario; trade as section man; married; no current military service; previously served with the Russian infantry (three years); Greek Catholic; height of 5 feet 3.75 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; hazel eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 126th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 24 February 1916 (number 775883) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Somek'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)