Kaunas, Kaunas County, Lithuania

His birthplace is Tallinn, based on:

• an oral account from his eldest son, Sam;
• Benjamin's declaration in the 1921 UK census; and
• storage of his birth registration in the Tallinn archive.

However, translations of the Old Russian from his birth registration differ. Unless contrary evidence is found, we accept the other multiple sources which are in agreement that his:

• birthplace was Tallinn; and
• mother’s name was Oxana ZIEL.

For transparency, both translations are provided below.