Private Dimitro Sinicky | Shot at Dawn | Great War

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Charged with Cowardice

Shot at Dawn

Private Dimitro Sinicky born in Kiel, Kiev Governorate, Russian Empire (in modern Ukraine) in 1895. Son of Harry and Efrosinia Sinicky of Kiev, Russia. Dimitro the only soldier of the CEF Shot at Dawn for cowardice in the Great War.

When on active service, misbehaving before the enemy in such a manner as to show cowardice. Refused to put on equipment and move to the front. Next night, while the accused was being marched up to the front under escort, he sat down and refused to move. Accused said he was afraid and feared being wounded.
FGCM of Private Dimitro Sinicky

Dimitro Sinicky had emigrated to Canada. His name natively spelled Dmytro Sinizki.

144th Battalion

Organized in November 1915 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A W Morley. Mobilized at Winnipeg, and also recruited in Winnipeg. Embarked from Halifax 19 September 1916 aboard OLYMPIC, and later disembarked England 25 September 1916 with a strength of 29 officers, 962 other ranks.

144th Bugle Band Private Dimitro Sinicky — 144th Bugle Band

Private Dimitro Sinicky 830020 voluntarily enlisted in Winnipeg’s 144th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 3 December 1915. At this time, twenty years, 3 months of age, standing 5′ 5″ tall, 150 pounds with clothes, with fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. Greek Catholic, the recruiter noted his religious denomination, meaning he was Ukrainian.

Ukrainian Recruits

The 144th Battalion recruited dozens of Ukrainian men, including Feodor Rozdorjne 830013 of Kiel, who signed up with Dimitro the same day, as did Sytryggur Waldamar Sigurdson 829335, born 17 September 1874 and his nephew Thor 829423, of Iceland.

The next day, Kyzma Kastukovich 886186 also of Krodenski, Russia signed up on 4 December 1915. John had previous service in the Canadian Militia. Dmitro Kavalenko 886182 also of Kiev signed up with John Koval 886030 of Podolsk, Russia.

Finally, John Mudrakoff 886219 also of Kiev signed up on 4 December 1915. John had previous service in the Russian Army. These only a few of Ukrainian men enlisting with the 144th Battalion.

Disciplined

In April of 1916, Private Dimitro Sinicky reprimanded several times. First fined 2 days pay, then another days pay, followed by 7 days pay forfeited. Most damaging to him later, Private Sinicky awarded 168 hours detention. A particularly heavy punishment, the reason of which must have contributed to the rapid decision to sentence him to death over a year later.

No sooner had Private Dimitro Sinicky returned to his unit, than he was admitted to Victoria Hospital, Winnipeg, with bronchitis on 5 May 1916, and later discharged to unit on 24 May 1916.

England

Private Dimitro Sinicky sailed to England aboard SS OLYMPIC with his unit on 18 September 1916.

At Connaught, Aldershot, Private Dimitro Sinicky admitted, VDG, and later discharged on 14 November 1916. This indiscretion would have absolutely nothing to do with his commanding officer readily agreeing to his FGCM later in 1917.

Group of patients, No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, Le Tréport, France. MIKAN No. 5065584 Private Dimitro Sinicky — Group of patients, No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, Le Tréport, France. MIKAN No. 5065584

18th Canadian Reserve Battalion

The 144th Battalion absorbed by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion on 12 January 1917.

Type of dummy used in Canadian Forces for instructing troops in Bayonet fighting, designed and constructed by Q.M.S. E.Drake 4th Reserve Battalion. Lt.-Col. H.G. Mayes Canadian Army Gymnastic Staff 3404523

52nd Battalion

The 52nd Canadian Infantry Battalion organized in March 1915 initially under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A W Hay. Mobilized at Port Arthur, recruited in Port Arthur, Kenora, Fort Francis, Fort William and also Dryden.

Officers of the 52nd Canadian Infantry Battalion. Templeux (Templeuve, Belgium) January 17 , 1919.

Draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England later on 17 June and 4 September 1915. Embarked from Saint John 23 November 1915 aboard CALIFORNIA, and later disembarked in England on 2 December 1915 with a strength of 40 officers, 1032 other ranks.

Western Front

The 52nd Battalion arrived in France on 21 February 1916 with the 3rd Canadian Division, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion.

Infantry of the 1st Canadian Division having a meal in the trenches at Ploegsteert, 29th March 1916. Brooks, Ernest (Lieutenant) (Photographer) © IWM Q 442. Likely 5th Battalion, anton's Farm, north of Ploegsteert Wood — Infantry of the 1st Canadian Division having a meal in the trenches at Ploegsteert, 29th March 1916. Brooks, Ernest (Lieutenant) (Photographer) © IWM Q 442. Likely 5th Battalion, Anton’s Farm, north of Ploegsteert Wood.

Private Feodor Rozdorjne entered the Western Front on 16 February 1917 with the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion. On the same day, Private Kyzma Kastukovich began serving with the 52nd Battalion in France.

The Sigurdson’s of Iceland

The next day, Private Sytryggur Waldamar Sigurdson, now 45 years of age, entered the front with the 44th Battalion. His nephew Private Thor Sigurdso preceeded him to the 44th Battalion on 14 January 1917. Lance Corporal John Mudrakoff also entered the front on this day with the 52nd Battalion, as did Private Dimitro Sinicky.

Two comrades of the late L/Sergt. E.W. Sifton, V.C., 18th Battalion, visit his grave. February, 1918. This view shows two temporary crosses, with Sifton's grave being cared for by soldiers. Ellis W. Sifton, was acting as a Lance-Sergeant in the 18th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 9th April, 1917, on the first day of Vimy Ridge operations. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for single-handedly overwhelming a German Machine-Gun position that was holding up his company. He was killed moments later. — Two comrades of the late L/Sergt. E.W. Sifton, V.C., 18th Battalion, visit his grave. February, 1918. This view shows two temporary crosses, with Sifton’s grave being cared for by soldiers. Ellis W. Sifton, was acting as a Lance-Sergeant in the 18th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 9th April, 1917, on the first day of Vimy Ridge operations. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for single-handedly overwhelming a German Machine-Gun position that was holding up his company. He was killed moments later.

Private Benjamin Senkoski DCM

Private Benjamin Senkoski 439884 of Minski, Ruyssia, and the 52nd Battalion, awarded the DCM posthumously on 17 February 1917.

The cemetery was begun by the 51st (Highland) Division when Commonwealth forces took over the Arras front in March 1916 and it retained its association with that division until the summer of 1918.

Benjamin killed in action a week earlier, and buried at Maroeuil British Cemetery. Son of Adam Senkoski of Pinsk, Minsk, Gubernia, Russia.

Private John Koval entered the Western Front on 5 March 1917 with the 52nd Battalion.

Chaplain of 72nd Canadian Battalion talking to a Canadian soldier up the line. April, 1918. MIKAN No. 3522121

Private Dmitro Kavalenko attached to the Director of Chaplain Services at Dibgate on 27 March 1917.

An RAF Chaplain leads the coffin of Rittmeister Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen past the saluting party as it enters the cemetery at Bertangles. The coffin is carried by six pilots of No. 3 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. The funeral service was held on 22 April 1918. © IWM (Q 10918)

Private Thor Sigurdson

Pte Thor Sigurdson died of wounds at No 6 Casualty Clearing Station on 11 April 1917. Now mourned by his uncle, Private Sytryggur Waldamar Sigurdson. Buried in Grave 38, Row H, Plot I of Barlin Communal Cemetery.

In November 1917, Barlin began to be shelled and the hospital was moved back to Ruitz, but the extension was used again in March and April 1918 during the German advance on this front.

Private Sytryggur Waldamar Sigurdson

Private Sytryggur Waldamar Sigurdson wounded 6 May 1917, SW right arm and chest. He rejoined his unit five days later, only to be reported missing, and presumed killed in action on 3 June 1917 in the attack on La Coulotte. Buried in Grave 18, Row C, Plot VI of La Chaudiere Military Cemetery.

1:00 John George Pattison VC

On 28 June 1917, Private John Koval, GSW right thigh admitted to No 6 Casualty Clearing Station. Later discharged to duty on 4 July 1917.

Etaples Military Cemetery

Funeral of Nursing Sister Gladys Maude Mary Wake at Etaples Military Cemetery, 22 May 1918.

Private Kyzma Kastukovich

Private Kyzma Kastukovich (GSW back) died of wounds on 1 July 1917 at No 18 General Hospital, Camiers. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. XXII. L. I.

Battle of Hill 70

Battle of Hill 70, 15 – 20 August 1917.

24/25 August 1917

Pte Sinicky part of a trench-raiding team when he refused to participate in a raid. The following night forcibly brought along on the raid, but he simply sat down and refused to continue. Sinicky arrested, court-martialled and charged with cowardice.

Private John Koval

On 4 September 1917, Private John Koval wounded a second time, GSW head, and invalided to England. He returned to Canada and discharged at Moose Jaw in July of 1918.

Private Dimitro Sinicky in confinement awaiting trial

Sentenced to death

Sentence of Death awarded by FGCM 19 September 1917 and duly carried out.

Private Dimitro Sinicky Shot at Dawn

Reported on 20 October 1917 that Pte Sinicky had died 9 October 1917 – cause not stated. The 52nd Battalion on specialist training throughout the day at nearby Winnipeg Camp.

Not mentioned in the unit war diary, a company of the battalion would witness the execution. Lt-Col W W Foster DSO, officer commanding the 52nd Battalion, Sir Arthur Currie, commander of the Canadian Corps, and also Sir Douglas Haig promulgated the verdict.

Gen. Currie visits Andenne where 200 civilians were shot by Germans against this wall, 21st August 1914. MIKAN No. 3403396 Private Dimitro Sinicky — Gen. Currie visits Andenne where 200 civilians were shot by Germans against this wall, 21st August 1914. MIKAN No. 3403396

On 4 November 1917, the entry amended to read “Shot by Order of Field General Court Martial, 9 October 1917. Sinicky the fourth CEF soldier Shot at Dawn, since Currie took command of the Canadian Corps late in June of 1917.

Écoivres Military Cemetery

Sentenced to death by firing squad, Sinicky executed at 06:11 on 9 October 1917. Buried in Plot VI, Row K, Grave 19 of Écoivres Military Cemetery, France.

This cemetery really the extension of the communal cemetery, where the French army had buried over 1,000 men.

Private Feodor Rozdorjne

Private Feodor Rozdorjne served with the Canadian Forestry Corps after being transferred from the 8th Battalion. He returned to Canada aboard SS SCANDINAVIAN on 9 February 1919.

SS SCANDINAVIAN. George Metcalf Archival Collection CWM 19920085-1011 — SS SCANDINAVIAN. This photograph shows Canadian troops aboard the SS Scandinavian in October 1914, either departing from Canada or arriving in England on their trans-Atlantic voyage. George Metcalf Archival Collection CWM 19920085-1011.

Private Dmitro Kavalenko

Private Dmitro Kavalenko was returned to the General Depot in August of 1919, from Chaplain Services. Dmitro one of the last men to return to Canada, discharged on 6 September 1919.

Lance Corporal John Mudrakoff

Lance Corporal John Mudrakoff died 8 December 1951. Wife Maria Berezowska Mudrakoff. Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Shaughnessy, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada.

Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander

Company Quartermaster Sergeant William Alexander one of 25 Canadians soldiers Shot at Dawn in the Great War.

Shot at Dawn. Sergeant William Alexander. 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Brother of A.M. Alexander of Winnipeg, Manitoba. "Bill" served for 8 years in the King's Royal Rifle Corps before emigrating to Canada. — Shot at Dawn. Sergeant William Alexander. 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Brother of A.M. Alexander of Winnipeg, Manitoba. “Bill” served for 8 years in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps before emigrating to Canada.

Private Dimitro Sinicky in the Great War