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 - 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:

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 Toronto plaque pages
Canada's First Victoria Cross
Corporal Frederick George Topham

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: N 43 37.155 W 79 29.317

More Conflict pages

More Etobicoke pages

Here are the 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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