Toronto's Historical Plaques
at torontoplaques.com
Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques
Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell, V.C., 1910-1944
Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004
Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004
Photo Source - Wikipedia
Here on Victoria Street, in front of a school named after him, is an Ontario Heritage Trust plaque which tells us about this Victoria Cross recipient. Here's what it says:
Plaque coordinates: 43.619223 -79.48862 |
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Born in Toronto and educated in Mimico, Hornell enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force on January 8, 1941. He was commissioned Pilot Officer late that year. On June 24, 1944, while serving with 162 Squadron and stationed at Wick in northern Scotland, Hornell was on anti-submarine patrol in a twin-engined Canso when he and his eight-man crew sighted and attacked a German submarine. Heavy enemy fire quickly crippled the aircraft but Hornell persevered with skill and determination until the submarine had been destroyed. For his bravery during this action and the subsequent ordeal after abandoning the aircraft, Hornell was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Commonwealth's highest award for valour. He died soon after being rescued.
Related websites
David Ernest Hornell
Royal Canadian Air Force
162 Squadron
Wick
twin-engined Canso
German submarine
Victoria Cross
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Canada's First Victoria Cross
Corporal Frederick George Topham, V.C. 1917-1974
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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
Posted August 10, 2008
Hi Sher, Very interesting...Hope the research, etc. is going well! Deb (Canada)
Posted July 5, 2008
Hello, My name is Sherri Bodnoff, my late Uncle Joe Bodnoff was part of the Hornell crew. If anyone is interested please visit my page at www.myspace.com/hornellcrew. Thanks very much
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