World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Toronto, Canada, he served as a Corporal medical orderly, in the 3rd Parachute Brigade, British Army 6th Airborne Division. On the morning of March 24, 1945, parachute and glider-borne troops of the 6th Airborne Division landed on the east bank of the Rhine River, near the city of Wesel in Germany. These landings were carried out in support of other assault operations when many casualties were sustained in the drop. Corporal Topham heard a cry for help from a wounded man who was in the open and two medical orderlies who went out in succession to treat the wounded man were killed. Corporal Topham on his own initiative, went forward through intense German fire to assist the casualty. As he treated the wounded man, he was himself shot through the nose, but continued to give first aid despite the severe bleeding and pain of his own injury. He then carried the wounded man to shelter through continuous fire. Refusing treatment for his wound, Corporal Topham continued to assist the wounded for two more hours, until all casualties had been evacuated to safety. For his courageous and selfless devotion to his comrades, he was awarded the Victoria Cross August 3, 1945. After the war, he returned home has employment as an electrician in Toronto, Canada. He died at the age of 56 from being electrocuted at work while working at Toronto hydro.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Toronto, Canada, he served as a Corporal medical orderly, in the 3rd Parachute Brigade, British Army 6th Airborne Division. On the morning of March 24, 1945, parachute and glider-borne troops of the 6th Airborne Division landed on the east bank of the Rhine River, near the city of Wesel in Germany. These landings were carried out in support of other assault operations when many casualties were sustained in the drop. Corporal Topham heard a cry for help from a wounded man who was in the open and two medical orderlies who went out in succession to treat the wounded man were killed. Corporal Topham on his own initiative, went forward through intense German fire to assist the casualty. As he treated the wounded man, he was himself shot through the nose, but continued to give first aid despite the severe bleeding and pain of his own injury. He then carried the wounded man to shelter through continuous fire. Refusing treatment for his wound, Corporal Topham continued to assist the wounded for two more hours, until all casualties had been evacuated to safety. For his courageous and selfless devotion to his comrades, he was awarded the Victoria Cross August 3, 1945. After the war, he returned home has employment as an electrician in Toronto, Canada. He died at the age of 56 from being electrocuted at work while working at Toronto hydro.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
FREDERICK G. TOPHAM V.C.
AUG. 10, 1917 – MAY 31, 1974
BELOVED HUSBAND OF
MARY I. DURRANT
AUG. 18, 1918 – JUNE 8, 2001
Family Members
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