Russian AnzacsOscar Yurak
| Alias | Yurack, Jurak |
|---|---|
| Born | 12.11.1885 |
| Place | Salismunde, via Riga, Latvia |
| Ethnic origin | Latvian |
| Religion | Lutheran |
| Father | John Yurak |
| Residence before enlistment | Sydney |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Naturalisation | Served as Russian subject |
| Residence after the war | Melbourne |
Service #1
| Service number | 2668 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted | 20.07.1916 |
| Place of enlistment | Sydney |
| Unit | 39th Battalion, 8th Battalion |
| Rank | Private |
| Place | Western Front, 1917 |
| Final fate | RTA 27.09.1917 |
| Discharged | 10.12.1917, services no longer required |
Materials
Blog article
From Russian Anzacs in Australian History:
Even when they lacked support from the Russian authorities in London, Russian soldiers who applied for a discharge before the revolution were not prosecuted by the AIF. Oscar Yurak, from Riga, argued in April 1917: 'I enlisted in Australia on the assurance of the Russian consul in Sydney that I would be transferred to the Russian Army on my arrival in Europe', but his request was refused. He added, 'I believe ... in battlefield, every soldier to be amongst his own people' and affirmed that he did not 'intend to soldier with the Australian Army'. No disciplinary action was taken against him, however, and he was returned to Australia in September 1917.