Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Canada's First Victoria Cross

Photo by Alan L Brown - April 2004

Photo Source - Wikipedia

Here, on the north-east 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:

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.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.644336 -79.394310

More Conflict pages

Here are the comments for this page.

(none yet)

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).