24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Born in Calgary, Alberta. In August of 1945, he led a courageous bombing mission against a Japanese destroyer in which he successfully hit his target but lost his life in the heroic effort. Pilot Officer Andrew Charles Mynarski - Royal Canadian Air Force. This award was the British Empire's highest military decoration for gallantry. For actions during Operation Overlord, the Normandy landings on June 6th 1944, only one Victoria Cross was awarded, this went to Stanley Hollis, a member of the Green Howards. ILLUSTRATIONS: SHARIF TARABAY Clockwise from top left: Victoria Cross recipients David Vivian Currie, Aubrey Cosens, Frederick Albert Tilston and Frederick George Topham. Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients And a Footnote About Our Medal of Honor Recipients. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia. highest order. According to his citation: "The Germans thought an entire company did the work of this one man. TDD/TTY: 1-833-921-0071. Richardson of Strathcona's Horse. The Victoria Cross (post-nominal letters "VC") is the highest war honour of the British Empire and the Commonwealth of Nations and is a military award for extraordinary valour and devotion to duty while facing a hostile force. Since the original Victoria Cross was established by Queen Victoria on January 29th, 1856, 99 [1] Canadians have received the prestigious award. Major John Keefer Mahony - The Westminster Regiment. The Victoria Cross for Valour has been awarded to 94 Brave Canadians plus an additional 6 who are considered to be Canadians at the time of their award. Born in Duncan, British Columbia. 1-800-567-5803. A simple and secure way to do business online with A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Squadron-Leader Leonard Birchall was the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s No. 19 Oct 1918 – 4 Aug 1944. Though all of the recipients’ stories are amazing and note-worthy, one in particular stands out – that of Corporal Konowal. Captain Frederick Peters braved fierce fire in taking part in a heroic ship assault on harbour defences during Allied landings in Algeria in 1942. 1-800-268-7708, TDD/TTY: Sergeant Major John Robert Osborn - The Winnipeg Grenadiers. It was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 as the premier award for military gallantry for a subject of the British Empire (and later for citizens in the British Commonwealth). Won the Victoria Cross February 16, 1944, at Maungdaw, Burma. Born in New Westminster, British Columbia. The Victoria Cross (VC; French: Croix de Victoria) was created in 1993, perpetuating the lineage of the British Victoria Cross, while serving as the highest award within the Canadian honours system, taking precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals. Born in Mimico, Ontario. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command. Assistance Service. Veterans Affairs Canada. Born in Toronto, Ontario. In 1942, Merritt found himself in command of the South Saskatchewan Regiment that had a rendezvous with history in Dieppe. Private Ernest 'Smokey' Smith - The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Since 1907 the Victoria Cross can also be awarded posthumously and until 1977 this was the only British decoration that could be awarded in this manner. Won the Victoria Cross August 19, 1942, at Dieppe, France. David Vivian Currie. Cosens assumed command of his battered platoon and personally cleared the German defenders from three buildings in the midst of intense enemy fire, killing or taking prisoner at least 40 Germans before he himself was killed by a sniper. Sergeant Aubrey Cosens - Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Won the Victoria Cross November 8, 1942, at Oran, North Africa. It is available Born in Norfolk, England (later emigrating to Saskatchewan). Reverend John Weir Foote - Canadian Chaplain Services, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy"[1] to members of the Australia Armed Forces. families, and caregivers and is provided at no cost. Michael O’Leary. A third French-Canadian soldier was awarded the Victoria Cross due to events that occurred in the Second World War on the Italian Front, in December of 1943. Frederick W. Hall. Prior to this, pilots showing similar acts of gallantry were awarded the Military Cross (MC). Here are some of the accounts of the heroics of Canadians who won the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. The nation’s contribution was just as widespread as in the earlier conflict, witnessing Canadians fighting on sea, land and in the air around the globe. Born in Madoc, Ontario. During the World War II campaign in Northwest Europe, which lasted from D-Day, June 6, 1944, until the German surrender in May 1945, four Canadian soldiers–David Vivian Currie, Aubrey Cosens, Frederick Albert … As of 2019, there are five living recipients of the Victoria Cross, three living recipients of the Victoria Cross for Australia and one living recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand.. His ship reached the enemy jetty disabled and ablaze and went down with its colours still flying. Charles Merritt The first up to receive the Victoria Cross was Lt. Col. Charles Merritt. Company Sergeant Major John Robert Osborn, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Cecil Ingersoll Merritt, Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette, VAC Frederick Fisher. During the Second World War, sixteen Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest military decoration for bravery. The Canada Remembers Program of Veterans Affairs Canada encourages all Canadians to learn about the sacrifices and achievements made by those who have served—and continue to serve—during times of war and peace. There are Photo: Library and Archives Canada PA 140001. TDD/TTY: 1-833-921-0071. Over the years, 98 Canadians have been awarded this very prestigious medal, 16 of them during the Second World War. A simple and secure way to do business online with The first member of a Canadian unit to be awarded the Victoria Cross was Sergeant A.H.L. Assistance Service, Second World War Victoria Cross Recipients, While holding out against the enemy in a bridgehead over the Savio River of Italy in 1944, Private Ernest 'Smokey' Smith single-handedly fought off enemy tanks and infantry, while protecting his wounded comrade. These Canadian Victoria Cross recipients represent members of the navy, army, and the air force and earned the medals in theatres of war ranging from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, from Europe to Africa to the Far East. Veterans Affairs Canada. families, and caregivers and is provided at no cost. The VC is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (see below). Second World War Victoria Cross Recipients. Just twenty years later Canada was at war again, a significant participant in the Second World War. William Hall, a Nova Scotian, was the first black recipient of the Victoria Cross. The 16 Canadians who won the Victoria Cross during the Second World War set a sterling example of the kind of effort put forth by the more than one million Canadians who served their country and the world during the struggles of the Second World War. Since 1993 the Victoria Cross Medal is only a Great Britain Award. Finally one fell where he could not retrieve it in time. Won the Victoria Cross March 1, 1945, in the Hochwald forest, Germany. Born in New Westminster, British Columbia. Won the Victoria Cross June 12, 1944, at Cambrai, France. The VAC 413 Squadron. Born in Toronto, Ontario. The first Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross was Alexander Roberts Dunn for his actions at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War in 1854. The service is for Veterans, former RCMP members, their 1-800-268-7708, TDD/TTY: VAC to receive services. Corporal Kaeble was in charge of a Lewis gun section during a strong enemy attack, when all but one of his section became casualties. Canada can now award its own Victoria Cross medal, but none have been awarded in that time. VAC Photo: Canadian Forces photo PL 38261;Sgt. Captain Paul Triquet - Le Royal 22e Régiment. Squadron Leader Ian W. Bazalgette - Royal Air Force. Won the Victoria Cross on August 19, 1942, at Dieppe, France. On 23 June 1944, Rifleman Tul Pun of the 6th Gurkha Rifles took part in an attack … Major David Currie was leading a force that was tasked with cutting off the retreating Germans in the Falaise pocket of France during the Battle of Normandy. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War. Their valour sets them apart as Canadians of the highest order. Major Frederick Albert Tilston - The Essex Scottish Regiment. Charles Cecil Ingersoll Merritt, VC, barrister, soldier, Member of Parliament … Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell - Royal Canadian Air Force. Over the years, 98 Canadians have been awarded this very prestigious medal, 16 of them during the Second World War. The Japanese began to throw grenades into the Canadians' defensive positions but Osborn caught several of them and threw them back. Yet, nowhere in Canada until 2017 with the official dedication of the Victoria Cross Memorial at York Cemetery had all 99 recipients … The Canadian Victoria Cross was created in 1993 and has yet to be awarded to anyone, despite International Auction's flyer looking to buy one. Lieutenant Robert Gray was a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve serving on a British aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean. This publication is available upon request in alternate formats. ", Captain Paul Triquet planned and carried out a daring raid that resulted in the capture of an important junction on the main road to Ortona, which would prove to be the site of a key Allied victory. the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest military decoration Francis … The George Cross (GC) is the second highest award of the United Kingdom honours system.It is awarded for gallantry not "in the presence of the enemy" to both members of the British armed forces and to British civilians.It has always been able to be awarded posthumously. The service is for Veterans, former RCMP members, their Won the Victoria Cross on February 25-26, 1945, at Mooshof, Germany. Won the Victoria Cross on August 18, 1944, at St. Lambert-sur-Dives, France. PDF Version. Corporal Frederick George Topham - 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. The highest Canadian military honour, named after the late Queen Victoria (1819-1901). Won the Victoria Cross on August 4, 1944, at St. Maximin, France. Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,358 times to 1,355 individual The Victoria Cross is Canada’s highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. As well, it invites Canadians to become involved in remembrance activities that will help preserve their legacy for future generations. Captain Peters was the only officer to survive the attack and was taken prisoner. During the Second World War, sixteen Canadians were awarded Lists of Victoria Cross recipients are lists of people who won the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious of the orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom.It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces.It was previously awarded to Commonwealth countries, most of which no longer recommend British honours. Flying Canso flying boats, the squadron had just been posted to the island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the Indian Ocean when a Japanese fleet sailed to attack the island and launch an invasion. Ernest Alvia Smith. 1915. Company Sergeant Major John Robert Osborn The Winnipeg Grenadiers.Hong Kong, Dec. 19, 1941. Benjamin Geary. Assistance Service can provide you with psychological support. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is available Won the Victoria Cross October 21-22, 1944, at the Savio River, Italy. First World War. Reverend Major John Foote, a chaplain with the troops landing in the Dieppe raid of August 1942, risked enemy fire time and again to help rescue wounded soldiers from the bloody beach. During this battle, the 22 nd Battalion lost 7 officers and 262 men. Four members of Canadian units earned the Victoria Cross (VC) during the South African War. Robert Hampton Gray. Lieutenant Albert Ball. Assistance Service can provide you with psychological support. 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