The Crimean War (1853-1856)

*A Canadian Victoria Cross Awarded was awarded during this conflict.

 The Crimean War ended nearly half a century of peace in Europe (the last conflict being the Napoleonic Wars). What originally began as a diplomatic struggle between Great Britain, France, and Russia over what to do with the weakening Ottoman Empire; turned to war largely based in the Crimean peninsula. While Canada was not involved directly in the conflict it had it's impacts here at home. The British stripped North America of its garrisons to bolster its front-lines. This led to the creation of Canada's first permanent militia in 1855. Canadians were actually eager at the prospect to serve in Crimea, and the home-defensive militia recruited far more than was needed to maintain peace in Canada. While no Canadian units were deployed to the Crimea; that did not stop Canadians from volunteering to fight overseas for Britain. The first Canadian Victoria Cross was awarded to Lieutenant Alexander Dunn of the 11th Hussars; who participated in the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava on October 25, 1854. (The Canadian Encyclopedia)

Alexander Roberts Dunn was born in what was then York, now Toronto, Ontario, on September 15, 1833, the first son of John Henry Dunn, Receiver-General of Upper Canada. He first attended Upper Canada College, in Ontario. Following the death of his mother, and after his father moved the family to England, he attended Harrow School.

In March 1852, Dunn joined the British Army's 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars as a junior officer. At the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854, the 11th Hussars were sent to Russia, to join other elements of the British Army and an allied force made up elements from France, the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Ottoman Empire. (Veterans Affairs Canada)
“For having in the Light Cavalry charge on the 25th October, 1854, saved the life of Serjeant Bentley, 11th Hussars, by cutting down two or three Russian Lancers who were attacking him from the rear, and afterwards cutting down a Russian Hussar, who was attacking Private Levett, 11th Hussars.” - Victoria Cross citation, The London Gazette, February 24, 1857