Canada's First Victoria Cross

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted April, 2004

Photo Source - Wikipedia

Here, on the northeast corner Clarence Square Park at Spadina Avenue is an Ontario Heritage Trust plaque about Alexander Dunn, recipient of Canada's first Victoria Cross. The text reads:

Plaque coordinates: 43.644336 -79.394310

Born in 1833 a short distance north of this site, Alexander Dunn was educated at Upper Canada College and at Harrow, England. In 1853 he was commissioned Lieutenant in the 11th Hussars. A participant in the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava on October 25th, 1854, he saved the lives of two of his regiment by cutting down their Russian attackers, and thus became Canada's first winner of the newly-created Victoria Cross. In 1858 Dunn helped to raise the 100th Royal Canadian Regiment, which he later commanded. In 1864 he transferred to the 33rd (Duke of Wellington's) Regiment, and four years later was accidentally killed while hunting in Abyssinia.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted October 21, 2010
While it may have made sense to award VCs to those from the British colonies of 1854, we have since forged an independent country. Yet we have failed to create our own highest military decoration, and still lean on Britain for the "Victoria Cross" name. We have required a new medal with a new name for some time. In honoring those who fight and die for our nation, it is incumbent we honor the nation itself, and not harken to a time we didn't have one.
In reply to comments below: This website showcases all Toronto historical plaques, while the Ontario one features those outside Toronto, and only national and provincial plaques. The Ontario Heritage Trust has erected a plaque to every VC winner from this province. -Wayne

Posted October 18, 2010
Referring to my comments of October 17, 2010, I then had not realized that Alan Brown also hosts a sister site: "Ontario's Historical Plaques". I did not find a reference to Tommy Holmes on this site, but lo and behold! There is an entry on the Ontario site for him, featuring a plaque located in Owen Sound. I had not realized that Tommy had been a resident there, as for many years he was a Pilot in Toronto Harbour. He was, of course, a well-known figure amongst Toronto WWI vets and I believe a popular member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, at a time when men's lodges were in their heyday.
F James Smith, Puslinch ON

Posted October 17, 2010
Alexander Dunn's plaque honouring Canada's first Victoria Cross winner is certainly most appropriate. Another plaque I wish had been erected would have honoured Thomas William (Tommy) Holmes. Tommy was awarded his cross for an amazing feat of bravery and at the time, he was Canada's youngest Victoria Cross winner. He joined the army at age 17 and was 19 when he was cited. As a child, I recall Tommy visiting our home in east Toronto. My brothers and I were in absolute awe of this man, after hearing of his accomplishments as a youth.
F James Smith, Puslinch ON

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