Toronto Police Military Veterans

A great moment in Toronto's Military history

48th Highlanders of Canada | Presentation of New Colours | May 1991 On 18 May 1991, the 48th Highlanders of Canada held a Presentation of Colours Ceremony at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, coinciding with the Regiment's 100th An...

A blast from the past!

"A Royal Salute to Her Majesty The Queen" (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuH9W4XFPP8

Follow the in-video link for Part 2.

1984 A Royal Salute to Her Majesty The Queen | Ontario Bicentennial | Toronto, Canada | Part 1 of 2 The 1984 Canadian military tattoo hailed as the "largest military pageant ever presented in Canada" celebrating the Ontario Bicentennial and the Royal Visit ...

PC Topham VC

Did You Know?

Cpl Frederick Topham VC, one of Canada's greatest war heroes joined the Toronto Police Department after serving in World War II. During Operation Varsity, the largest airborne drop of the war, Topham was among Canada's paratroopers who jumped into Germany 80 years ago today.

During the ensuing battle, "Toppy" Topham "defied heavy enemy fire to treat casualties sustained in a parachute drop east of the Rhine, near Wesel. Rejecting treatment for his own severe face wound, he continued to rescue the injured for two hours. While returning to his company, he saved three occupants of a burning carrier which was in danger of exploding."

For his heroism, Topham was awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Empire's highest decoration for valour (See comments for full citation).

Back in Toronto after the war, Topham was given a civic parade, and made to attend ceremonies such as laying the cornerstone for Sunnybrook Veterans Hospital.

The modest hero did not enjoy being the center of attention, and seeking anonymity he withdrew from military ceremonies and quit the police department. Topham instead became a lineman with Toronto Hydro, ultimately dying of an electrical accident in 1974.

During his stint with the Toronto Police Department, PC Topham VC held badge number 100 - previously held by PC John L. Bradbury who perished in the Second World War.



Photo (1) Courtesy of Toronto Public Library
Photo (2) Courtesy of Gord Barratt

“an urgent message was received [...] to immediately return to PHQ as they were under attack by an enemy force of unknown size. We raced back through the deserted city streets and immediately came under attack ourselves.

Small arms and RPG’s were fired at us from a 6-story building down and across from PHQ. Our 50 caliber gunners were dumping rounds into the building as we received information that the enemy were wearing authentic ANP police uniforms and were wearing su***de vests…”

On February 12th, 2011, Toronto Police Sergeant Jeffrey Alderdice was on an RCMP-led International Policing Operation in Afghanistan. The policeman was embedded with US Army forces in Kandahar when the Police Headquarters was hit by a sustained and complex attack.

During the hours-long fight, dozens of enemy fighters used su***de bombers, small arms fire, and a massive VBIED against the police headquarters, killing 19. Alderdice helped repel the assault and saved the life of a US Army Captain who was under fire and pinned down.

Alderdice was later awarded the Canadian Medal of Bravery for his actions that day.

I recently convinced Jeff for an interview about his Afghan tour, so keep watching for the full story, coming soon!

📸: Sgt Alderdice scanning his arcs from FOB Walton before heading towards PHQ. 12 Feb 2011 (Alderdice Collection)

Our Past President Jack Reid at our recent Christmas Luncheon!

Jack Reid, 99-year-old WW2 Navy Veteran and Retired Toronto police officer showed off his harmonica skills at this year's Toronto Police Military Veterans Association Christmas Luncheon. 🎅 🎄 👮‍♂️⚓️ 🇨🇦 . . 🎥: Nicole Bailey #mademesmile #fyp #christmas #veterans #navylife #torontopolice Toronto Police Association

Toronto Police Remembrance Sunday Parade 80 years apart. 1936 Toronto Police War Veterans 2016 Toronto Police Military Veterans Association

Yorkminster Park is looking forward to marking Remembrance Sunday on November 10 at 11 a.m. Once again we will have the honour of sharing the occasion with the Toronto Police Services Military Veteran Association and the
Join us in-person or online at www.yorkminsterpark.com

Lest We Forget

The Death of a Hero The Line of Duty Death of Toronto Police Constable Charles Franklin Hainer MM Researched and written by Matthew Scarlino, September 1924. Toronto Police Constable (457) Charles Franklin Heiner MM, …