[Genetic analysis of the putative remains of general Władysław Sikorski]
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Tomasz Kupiec1, Wojciech Branicki
1Z Instytutu Ekspertyz Sadowych im. prof. dra Jana Sehna w Krakowie. tkupiec@ies.krakow.pl
Abstract:
The paper presents results of genetic identification studies carried out in material collected during exhumation of the putative body of general Władysław Sikorski, buried in a sarcophagus in Saint Leonard's crypt in the Wawel Cathedral. The analysis of STR-type autosomal markers, Y-STR markers and sequences of HVI and HVII regions of mitochondrial DNA carried out in samples collected for genetic analysis--fragments of the thigh bone and a tooth--yielded a full set of results. The same mtDNA profile was also determined in hair revealed on the underpants and shirt secured from the studied body. The mitochondrial DNA profile determined in the bone material and also in the hair matched the profile characteristic for a female relative through the maternal line of general Władysław Sikorski. The obtained evidence supports the hypothesis that the studied body is that of general Sikorski. An additional analysis of position SNP rs12913832 located on the HERC2 gene revealed the presence of genotype C/C, which suggests that general Władysław Sikorski had light (most probably blue) eyes.
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