Corporal Frederick George Topham, V.C. 1917-1974

Text from the plaque

Born in Toronto, Topham was educated here before working in the mines at Kirkland Lake. He enlisted on August 3, 1942, and served at home and abroad as a medical orderly. On March 24, 1945, while serving with the first Canadian Parachute Battalion, he defied heavy enemy fire to treat casualties sustained in a parachute drop east of the Rhine, near Wesel. Rejecting treatment for his own severe face wound, he continued to rescue the injured for six hours. While returning to his company, he saved three occupants of a burning carrier which was in danger of exploding. For these exceptional deeds, Topham was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valour in the British Commonwealth.

Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.

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The City of Toronto At the rear of the former Etobicoke City Hall, on the SE corner of The West Mall and Burnhamthorpe Road

Also recorded for this place: The City of Toronto

Recorded March 27, 2004. Check current access before visiting.