The Cadet Program
The Cadet Program is the largest federally-sponsored youth program
in Canada that includes the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets. It
is a national program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are
interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and
rewarding activities while learning about the sea, army and air
activities of the Canadian Forces.
Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their
communities.They make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a
daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community
activities.
Cadets also learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork,
leadership and citizenship.
David Ernest Hornell VC
Born in Mimico Ontario in 1910, David Hornell was destined for
valour. His citation, awarded posthumously reads as follows:
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell was captain and first pilot of a
twin-engined amphibian aircraft engaged on an anti-submarine patrol in
northern waters. The patrol had lasted for some hours when a
fully-surfaced U-boat was sighted, travelling at high speed on the port
beam. Flight-Lieutenant Hornell at once turned to the attack.
The U-boat altered course. The aircraft had been seen and
there could be no surprise. The U-boat opened up with anti-aircraft fire
which became increasingly fierce and accurate.
At a range of 1,200 yards, the front guns of the aircraft
replied; then its starboard gun jammed, leaving only one gun effective.
Hits were obtained on and around the conning-tower of the U-boat but the
aircraft itself was hit, two large holes appearing in the starboard
wing.
Ignoring the enemy's fire, Flight-Lieutenant Hornell
carefully maneuvered for the attack. Oil was pouring from his starboard
engine which was, by this time, on fire, as was the starboard wing; and
the petrol tanks were endangered. Meanwhile, the aircraft was hit again
and again by the U-boat's guns. Holed in many places, it was vibrating
violently and very difficult to control.
Nevertheless, the captain decided to press home his attack,
knowing that with every moment the chances of escape for him and his
gallant crew would grow more slender. He brought his aircraft down very
low and released his depth charges in a perfect straddle. The bows of
the U-boat were lifted out of the water; it sank and the crew were seen
in the sea.
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell contrived, by superhuman efforts at
the controls, to gain a little height. The fire in the starboard wing
had grown more intense and the vibration had increased. Then the burning
engine fell off. The plight of the aircraft and crew was now desperate.
With the utmost coolness the captain took his aircraft into the wind
and, despite manifold dangers, brought it safely down on the heavy
swell. Badly damaged and blazing furiously, the aircraft rapidly
settled.
After ordeal by fire came ordeal by water. There was only one
serviceable dinghy and this could not hold all the crew. So they took
turns in the water, holding on to the sides. Once, the dinghy capsized
in the rough seas and was righted only with great difficulty. Two of the
crew succumbed from exposure.
An airborne lifeboat was dropped to them but fell some 500
yards down wind. The men struggled vainly to reach it and
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell, who throughout had encouraged them by his
cheerfulness and inspiring leadership, proposed to swim to it, though he
was nearly exhausted. He was with difficulty restrained. The survivors
were finally rescued after they had been in the water for 21 hours. By
this time Flight-Lieutenant Hornell was blinded and completely
exhausted. He died shortly after being picked up.
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell had completed 60 operational
missions, involving 600 hours' flying. He well knew the danger and
difficulties attending attacks on submarines. By pressing home a
skillful and successful attack against fierce opposition, with his
aircraft in a precarious position, and by fortifying and encouraging his
comrades in the subsequent ordeal, this officer displayed valour and
devotion to duty of the highest order.'