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Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell, V.C. 1910-1944


Location
The City of Toronto
In front of a school, north side of Victoria Street at Alexander Street, just north of Lake Shore Boulevard West, west of Park Lawn Road


Photographer
Alan L Brown

More Information
Posted
March 26, 2004

Text from the Plaque
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.

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