victoria cross

6 articles

Sep29

1984What military memorial is considered one of the most controversial pieces of Canadian art?

Per Ardua ad Astra, also known as the Canadian Airman's Memorial, stands along University Avenue in Toronto as one of the most controversial pieces of Canadian public art. Created by renowned sculptor Oscar Nemon and unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on September 29, 1984, the striking modernist monument honors Royal Canadian Air Force members, including the seven airmen awarded the Victoria Cross in the World Wars. Almost immediately after its installation, the memorial became a lightning rod for criticism, both for its abstract design and because it was placed on a plinth against the artist’s wishes. Notably, after vandals spray-painted it with the phrase "Gumby goes to Heaven," the nickname stuck, cementing its unique—and divisive—place in Canadian art history.

Feb26

1945Which Canadian Second World War hero from Latchford, Ontario was awarded the Victoria Cross postumously in 1945?

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, originally from Latchford, Ontario, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 for his exceptional bravery during a pivotal assault at Mooshof, Germany. His heroism on the night of February 25–26, 1945, where he assumed command under fire and led his platoon to capture crucial enemy positions, was vital to the Allied advance. At just 24 years old, Cosens became one of only 16 Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, and his legacy is honoured both locally—such as through the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC Memorial Bridge—and internationally, with his grave at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands visited by military delegations during commemorative marches.

Dec19

1941Who was the first Canadian soldier to have earned the Victoria Cross during the Second World War?

Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers became the first Canadian soldier awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War for his extraordinary bravery in Hong Kong on 19 December 1941. Facing overwhelming odds, Osborn led a bayonet charge to capture and hold a key hill, ultimately sacrificing his own life by throwing himself on a grenade to save his comrades. His heroism was not fully recognized until after the war, and in 1946 he received the Victoria Cross posthumously. On 19 December 1991, a memorial was dedicated to Osborn at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, ensuring his legacy lives on 84 years after his courageous actions.

Aug26

1918What is the significance of the Dury Canadian Memorial in France?

The Dury Canadian Memorial, located just south of Dury in France, stands as a testament to the Canadian Corps’ critical role in breaching the formidable Drocourt-Quéant Line during the Second Battle of Arras in 1918. This strategically vital victory helped turn the tide on the Western Front, marking a decisive moment in the final Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War. Remarkably, on September 2, 1918, seven Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery during these intense assaults, a day that also saw nearly 6,000 Canadian casualties. Today, the memorial’s striking 15-tonne granite block not only honors these sacrifices but also anchors the site as one of just eight Great War Canadian monuments of permanent remembrance in France.

Aug27

1904Which Canadian has been conferred the Victoria Cross with a 'naval' blue ribbon?

Able Seaman William Hall, born in Nova Scotia, stands as the only Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross with the distinctive 'naval' blue ribbon, marking a rare honour for extraordinary bravery during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 at Lucknow. Hall, the first Nova Scotian and the first Black recipient of the Empire’s highest military award for valour, performed his heroic actions while serving on H.M.S. Shannon on November 16, 1857. Despite receiving little recognition during his lifetime, Hall's legacy has grown, culminating in the naming of the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS William Hall and his depiction on a Canada Post commemorative stamp in 2010. On August 27, 2025, Canadians mark the 121st anniversary of his death, reflecting on a life that broke barriers and inspired generations.

Jan9

1856Which of the 182 recipients that were awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 is buried in Toronto, Ontario?

Private Denis Dempsey, a Victoria Cross recipient for his extraordinary bravery during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, is buried at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario. His fearless actions—carrying a powder bag through a burning village under heavy enemy fire at Lucknow and being the first to enter Jugdispore during intense conflict—earned him the Empire’s highest military honor. Born in County Wicklow, Ireland, Dempsey's military career spanned postings in India, South Africa, Japan, and beyond before he settled in Toronto, where he died in 1886 from congestive pneumonia. The 140th anniversary of his death in 2026 is a poignant reminder of both his legacy and the enduring ties between Canada, Ireland, and the history of British military service.