"Toppy" Topham was a medical orderly with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion when it parachuted behind enemy lines on March 24, 1945 during the Allied assault on the Rhine. As he tended to casualties, he saw two medical orderlies killed in succession while treating a paratrooper in the drop zone. Topham rescued their patient and, despite being shot through the nose, continued to clear wounded from the area before seeking treatment. While rejoining his company, he encountered a burning machine-gun carrier in danger of exploding. Topham pulled three wounded soldiers from the wreckage, saving the lives of two. For his compassion and sustained courage, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. After the war he lived in Etobicoke.

Location

Near 569 Jane Street in front of Runnymede Collegiate Institute, Toronto

Themes

• People
• War and conflict