David Ernest Hornell
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David Ernest Hornell, VC (January 26, 1910 - June 24, 1944) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 34 years old, and a Flight Lieutenant in No. 162 Squadron RCAF during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 24 June 1944 on sea patrol near the Faroes in the North Atlantic, Flight Lieutenant Hornell's twin-engined amphibian aircraft was attacked and badly damaged by an enemy German U-boat; nevertheless he succeeded in sinking it and then with superhuman effort managed to bring his aircraft down on the heavy swell, blazing furiously. There was only one serviceable dinghy which could not hold all the crew so they took it in turns in the water. By the time the survivors were rescued after 21 hours, Flight Lieutenant Homell was blinded and weak from exposure and cold. He died shortly after being picked up.
[edit] Further information
He was born in Mimico, Ontario and one of the elementary schools in Mimico is named after him.
The PBY Canso operated out of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario, was restored in the colours and markings of 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron and dedicated to the memory of Flight Lieutenant David Hornell, VC. (See Canadian Warplanes - PBY-5A)
[edit] The medal
Air Command Heritage Museum, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Shetland, Scotland)
- HORNELL, David Ernest
- Consolidated PBY-5A Canso (plane Hornell flew at the Warplane Heritage Museum)
