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While many Ukrainians served in the Soviet during World War II, numerous others joined the military forces of other Allied nations. Their contributions, often overlooked, were vital in various theaters of the war. This edition honors those who fought under different flags but shared a common goal: the defeat of fascism and the liberation of occupied territories.
Join us in standing for historical truth and against the spread of disinformation.
Ukrainian Canadians in the Canadian Armed Forces
Over 40,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent served in the Canadian military during World War II, making them the second-largest ethnic group in the armed forces. These men and women contributed significantly across all branches, participating in key operations in Europe and Asia.
Their service not only aided in the Allied victory but also helped integrate Ukrainian Canadians into the broader fabric of Canadian society, fostering a sense of national unity and pride.
Anne Chraplywa (1920-2005) – Trailblazer in the Canadian Women's Army Corps
Anne Chraplywa-Smith was among the first Ukrainian Canadian women to enlist in the Canadian Women's Army Corps during World War II. Serving overseas, she was promoted to lieutenant and awarded the British Empire Medal for her exemplary service.
After the war, Chraplywa continued her humanitarian efforts by assisting Ukrainian displaced persons in Europe. Her dedication to service and community left a lasting legacy in both military and civilian spheres.
Interviews from the Ukrainian Canadian Research & Documentation Centre (UCRDC) offer firsthand accounts of Ukrainian-born soldiers who served in foreign armies during World War II, shedding light on their courage, sacrifice, and overlooked contributions.
We also encourage you to watch the documentary produced by UCRDC, which combines archival photographs and film footage with firsthand oral accounts to highlight the significant participation of Ukrainian Canadians in Canada’s World War II efforts.
Ukrainian Soldiers in the Polish and Czech Armed Forces
Approximately 120,000 Ukrainians served in the Polish Army at the onset of World War II. These soldiers fought valiantly against the German invasion in 1939, with around 6,000 losing their lives in the defense of Poland.
Thousands of Ukrainian served in the Polish Army of General Władysław Anders; Western Ukrainian accounted for 2% of the Polish division named Tadeusz Kostiuszko and 70% of the Czechoslovak Brigade General Ludwig Svoboda.” They fought at Tobruk and later Monte Cassino, where many are buried in the Polish cemetery.
Following the fall of Poland, many Ukrainian soldiers continued their service in Polish military units formed abroad, including those in France and the United Kingdom. Their dedication exemplified the shared struggle against fascism and the commitment to a free Europe.
Ukrainian women also played crucial roles in the Polish Armed Forces, serving as nurses, communication specialists, and support staff. Their involvement was essential in maintaining the operational effectiveness of military units and providing care to the wounded.
Their dedication and resilience under challenging conditions highlighted the indispensable contributions of women in the war effort.
Ukrainian Volunteers in the French Resistance
In 1944, two battalions composed of Ukrainian soldiers, initially part of German military units, defected and joined the French Resistance. These men played a significant role in liberating parts of northeastern France from Nazi control. Their bravery was recognized with awards such as the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre.
Their actions demonstrated a profound commitment to freedom and highlighted the complex choices faced by Ukrainians during the war.
Vasyl Poryk
Born in 1920 in Solomirka, Ukraine, Vasyl Poryk was a Soviet officer captured by the Germans during World War II. While imprisoned in France, he organized resistance activities within the camp and later escaped to form a partisan unit in Northern France. His detachment conducted sabotage operations against German forces, including the liberation of prisoners from the Beaumont camp. Poryk was killed in action in 1944 and is honored as a national hero in both Ukraine and France.
Peter Dmytruk
Peter Dmytruk, born in 1920 in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. After his plane was shot down over France, he joined the French Resistance, earning the nickname "Pierre le Canadien." Dmytruk participated in sabotage missions against German forces and was executed by the Nazis in 1943. He is remembered for his bravery and is commemorated in both France and Canada.
Ukrainian Soldiers in the British Army
Some Ukrainians who escaped Soviet and Nazi oppression found refuge in the United Kingdom and enlisted in the British Army. They served in various capacities, from infantry roles to specialized units, contributing to the liberation of occupied territories.
Their integration into British forces exemplified the international solidarity against fascism and the shared values of liberty and justice.
Michael Oparenko
Michael Oparenko, born in 1915 in Kyiv, Ukraine, served as a pilot in the Polish Air Force during World War II. After the fall of France, he was evacuated to Britain and joined the 307 "Lwów" Night Fighter Squadron under the Royal Air Force. Oparenko's contributions exemplify the involvement of Ukrainians in Allied air operations during the war. He became a founding father of the “Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.”
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