Hello,
While preparing to co-facilitate (with local historian/author Jim Adams) the upcoming historical tour focused on Toronto's Runnymede neighbourhood, I came across the story of Frederick George Topham.
Frederick George Topham was born in 1917 in Toronto.
He attended King George Public School and Runnymede Collegiate Institute.
Before enlisting, he worked as a miner in Kirkland Lake; the job demanded quiet strength and resilience.
In 1942, he enlisted with the Canadian Army.
He trained as a medical orderly and volunteered for the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, part of the British 6th Airborne Division.
His role was not to fight, but to save. He was to go where the wounded lay and bring them back alive.
On March 24, 1945, during Operation Varsity (a massive Allied airborne assault led by British and American forces under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, designed to help the 21st Army Group cross the Rhine River and advance into the heart of Nazi Germany), Topham parachuted into enemy territory near Wesel, a fortified town just inside Germany’s western border that was fiercely defended by German troops.
Almost immediately, he faced chaos: heavy enemy fire, fallen comrades, and cries for help.
Two fellow medical orderlies went out to rescue a wounded man in the open and were both killed.
Without hesitation, Topham went forward alone, crossing the exposed ground under intense fire.
As he treated the wounded soldier, he was shot through the nose.
Bleeding and in great pain, he refused to withdraw.
He carried the injured man to safety and continued tending to other wounded soldiers for more than two hours, ignoring his own injury.
Later that same day, Topham saw an armoured carrier on fire.
The vehicle’s ammunition was exploding, and everyone was ordered to stay back.
Still, Topham ran forward again.
He pulled three wounded men from the burning wreck; two survived because of him.
For his repeated acts of bravery, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty, Corporal Topham was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British Commonwealth.
He received it on August 18, 1945, from King George VI at Buckingham Palace in London, the United Kingdom.
After the war, Topham returned to Toronto.
He worked for Toronto Hydro as a lineman and continued to live humbly, rarely speaking about his wartime heroism.
He passed away in 1974, at just 56 years old.
He is buried in Sanctuary Park Cemetery in Etobicoke.
Today, a provincial plaque near his former high school at 569 Jane Street honours his courage.
His Victoria Cross is preserved at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
The Life Lesson
Topham’s story teaches us that true courage does not need to be loud; it can be quiet, steadfast, and selfless.
He didn’t hesitate when others fell.
He didn’t retreat when wounded.
He simply did what needed to be done, with calm resolve and compassion.
In everyday life, we may not face bullets or burning vehicles, but we all face moments that test our willingness to act.
Topham reminds us that leadership begins when we step forward, not for recognition, but because it’s right.
Three Suggested Action Items:
- Perform one quiet act of service.
Help someone without expecting credit, in the spirit of Topham’s quiet courage.
- Learn from local history.
Attend the #ExperienceTO: Runnymede Historical Tour, during which we will visit the site of Topham's memorial plaque to learn about the local roots of this quiet hero.
- Visit a local veterans’ memorial or cenotaph.
Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served for our freedom, and consider leaving a note of gratitude or sharing a photo to encourage others to remember their courage.
I wish you the very best!
Alex Rășcanu
P.S. If you would like to read all the past life lessons-focused e-newsletters, you can find them here.
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