George Zenkewich

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

270493

Unit at enlistment:

215th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Birth country:

Russia

Address at enlistment:

56 Wadsworth Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

Russia

Trade or calling:

Labourer

Religious denominations:

Roman Catholic

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Miscellaneous

BX March 7, 1917

Deserter Was Brought Back to This City – Major Sweet Saw George Zenkewich in Toronto Union Station

Major E. Sweet, second in command of the 215th Battalion, returned from Toronto this morning accompanied by a Russian, George Zenkewich, who deserted from the battalion while it was at Niagara Camp last summer. Major Sweet accompanied his son, Lieutenant George Sweet, to Toronto yesterday when the latter was to undergo an operation. This morning when he arrived at the Union station preparatory to returning, one of the first he set eyes on was Zenkewich. The ex 215th man was wandering aimlessly around and when he noticed Major Sweet, who remembered him, he said it was his intention to return to the battalion. The major then decided he would make sure that he lived up to his intentions and brought him along with him. The return to the barracks this morning caused somewhat of a sensation as Zenkewich had been almost forgotten. Last summer while the battalion was at camp he deserted, stole a boat and crossed the river to the American side. He is detained in the guard room until his case is disposed of.

BX April 14, 1917

Russian Member of 215th Stabbed – Pte. Zenkewich Was on Leave – Was Stabbed Three Times

That Private Zenkewich, one of the Russian members of the 215th Battalion, had been badly stabbed while on leave in Hamilton last evening was the news received at the 215th Battalion headquarters this morning. Few particulars of the accident were available. Zenkewich was stabbed three times, in the chest, side and abdomen. He was, it is said, on the street and in a sober manner conducting his own affairs. He was taken to the military hospital. Zenkewich is said to be one of the best soldiers in the battalion.

BX April 18, 1917

Is Recovering

Private Zenkewich, of the 215th Brantford Battalion, who was stabbed by an unknown man on the street in Hamilton last Friday night, is improving and is almost fit to leave the military hospital there. Zenkewich alleges that he was attacked for no reason while walking along the street, and stabbed in four places, but his injuries were not of a serious nature. He is a Russian, and getting into some trouble, deserted from his battalion at Brantford, but he had returned and given himself up. Detectives are on the case.