Canadian Virtual War Memorial
David Ernest Hornell
In memory of:
Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell
June 25, 1944
Military Service
J/7594
34
Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
162 Sqdn
The following details were given in the London Gazette of July 28th, 1944:- Flt. Lt. Hornell was captain and first pilot of a twin engined amphibian aircraft engaged in an anti-submarine patrol in northern waters. A fully surfaced U-boat was sighted travelling at high speed on the port beam, and Flt. Lt. Hornell at once attacked. His aircraft had been seen and there could be no surprise. The U-boat altered course and opened up with fire which became increasingly fierce and accurate. At a range of 1,300 metres the guns of the aircraft replied and hits were obtained, but the aircraft itself was hit and badly damaged, and its starboard gun jammed. Ignoring the fire Flt. Lt. Hornell carefully manoeuvred for attack. Holed in many places, oil pouring from the starboard engine which with the starboard wing was on fire, and with petrol tanks endangered, the aircraft was very difficult to control. Nevertheless the captain decided to press his attack, and bringing his aircraft down low released his depth charges in a perfect straddle. The bows of the U-boat were lifted out of the sea; it sank, and the crew were seen in the water. The plight of the aircraft and crew was now desperate. With the utmost coolness Flt. Lt. Hornell took his badly damaged, blazing aircraft into the wind and brought it safely on to the heavy swell where it rapidly settled down. After ordeal by fire came ordeal by water. Two of the crew succumbed from exposure, and the survivors were finally rescued after 21 hours in the water. Blinded and completely exhausted, Flt. Lt. Hornell died shortly after being picked up. By pressing home a skilful and successful attack against fierce opposition, with his aircraft in a precarious condition, and by fortifying and encouraging his comrades in the subsequent ordeal this officer displayed valour and devotion to duty of the highest order.
Victoria Cross
Additional Information
January 26, 1910
Toronto Island, Ontario
January 8, 1941
Son of Harry Alexander Hornell and Emily Crook Hornell; husband of Genevieve Madge Hornell, of Drayton, Ontario. He was born on Toronto Island, Ontario and he lived in Toronto. He joined the RCAF on 8 January 1941, just three weeks before his 31st birthday, and age limit for uniformed enlistment and received his 'wings' on 25 September 1941. Flight-Lieutenant Hornell was the first member of the RCAF to earn the Victoria Cross in the Second World War.
Commemorated on Page 338 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.
David Ernest Hornell is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Complete list of Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients
Burial Information
LERWICK NEW CEMETERY
Zetland (Shetland), United Kingdom
Terrace 7B. Grave 17
From Sumburgh Airport, take the A 970 to Lerwick (approx 35 miles). Enter Lerwick and follow the signs for Old Port. At the top of the hill that leads down into the Old Port, turn sharp right into Knab Road. The cemetery is situated at the junction of Knab Road and Gressey Loan.
Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
- Date modified: