Fashion District in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Canada’s First Victoria Cross

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2025

1. Canada’s First Victoria Cross Marker

Inscription. Born in 1833 a short distance north of this site, Alexander Dunn was educated at Upper Canada College and at Harrow, England. In 1853 he was commissioned Lieutenant in the 11th Hussars. A participant in the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava on October 25, 1854, he saved the lives of two of his regiment by cutting down their Russian attackers, and thus became Canada's first winner of the newly-created Victoria Cross. In 1858 Dunn helped to raise the 100th Royal Canadian Regiment, which he later commanded. In 1864 he transferred to the 33rd (Duke of Wellington's) Regiment, and four years later was accidentally killed while hunting in Abyssinia.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Wars, Non-US. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1854.

Location. 43° 38.663′ N, 79° 23.66′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in the Fashion District. It is at the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Clarence Square, on the right when traveling north on Spadina Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toronto ON M5V 2J2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto

and on the Golden Horseshoe.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George Crookshank House (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canadian Westinghouse Building (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Balfour Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); 29 Draper Street (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); 25 Draper Street (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); 23 Draper Street (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); 21 Draper Street (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); 17 Draper Street (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.

Also see . . .
1. Alexander Roberts Dunn VC.

Dunn is considered the first Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. He was also the only officer to be awarded the VC for bravery during the Charge of the Light Brigade. Dunn was elected unanimously by his fellow soldiers for the medal. Dunn was gazetted for the VC on 24th February 1857. Dunn received his medal from Queen Victoria at the first investiture in Hyde Park on 26th June 1857.

(Submitted on June 30, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

2. Canadian Recipients of the Victoria Cross.

The Victoria Cross (VC), instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria, is the Commonwealth's premier military decoration for gallantry. It is awarded in recognition of the most exceptional bravery displayed in the presence of the enemy, although
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2025

2. Canada’s First Victoria Cross Marker
in rare instances the decoration has been given to mark other courageous acts. In total, there have been 99 Canadian recipients of the Victoria Cross. In 1993, Canada adopted its own national version of the Victoria Cross. The Canadian VC has not yet been awarded.

(Submitted on June 30, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Lt. Alexander Dunn VC, 11th Hussars 1854 image. Click for full size.

3. Lt. Alexander Dunn VC, 11th Hussars 1854

Public domain

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.