Dunn Street is a familiar street in Toronto’s west end, named after John Henry Dunn (1792 – 1854) who was active in business and politics and was Receiver General of Upper Canada. His son, Lieutenant Alexander Roberts Dunn (1833 – 1868) was the first Canadian born recipient of the Victoria Cross. It was awarded for his bravery during the Charge of the Light Brigade on October 25, 1854, during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. His will was probated in England as recorded in the England and Wales National Probate Calendar, Index of Wills and Administrations, from March 21, 1871. It was granted to Rosa Douglas (Wife of John Douglas, a General in her Majesty’s Army) of 16 Queen Street May Fair in the county of Middlesex, who was named as a beneficiary.
Alexander Roberts Dunn died in 1868 while on Expedition to Abyssinia. He was killed in unusual circumstances and the location of his grave was not known. His grave was eventually found by Canadian Army Forces during their peacekeeping mission to Ethiopia in 1998-2000. “Found” is not entirely accurate, as they were led to his grave by a group of local children who knew they were from Canada. The Victoria Cross is the highest award that was previously awarded to individuals from Commonwealth countries. In 1993 Canada established its own Victoria Cross. Dunn’s Victoria Cross Medal has been kept for many years at Upper Canada College, which he attended. His sword is on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
We shall remember them.