Russian AnzacsUsko Leonard Salonen
| Alias | Oscar |
|---|---|
| Born | 1887 |
| Place | Abo (Turku), Finland |
| Ethnic origin | Finnish |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Father | Gustav Salonen |
| Mother | Eda Salonen |
| Contacts | Uncle [Axel Alexander Olin](../Olin), enlisted together |
| Arrived at Australia |
on circa 1905 |
| Residence before enlistment | Murrumbeena, Vic |
| Occupation | Seaman |
| Naturalisation | Served as Russian subject |
Service #1
| Service number | 596 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted | 20.03.1916 |
| Place of enlistment | Melbourne |
| Unit | 39th Battalion |
| Rank | Private, Lance Corporal |
| Place | Western Front, 1916-1917 |
| Casualties | WIA 1917 |
| Final fate | KIA 8.06.1917 |
| Cemetery | 168 Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium |
Materials
Digitised service records (NAA)
Digitised Embarkation roll entry (AWM)
Blog article
From Russian Anzacs in Australian History:
[...] The next thing the Red Cross would usually be told was whose 'mate' the missing man was. [...] According to W. Clark, Salonen 'was a Russian Finn enlisted in Melbourne, a very clever signaller and a good mate'.
Gallery
AWM memorial panel 131