Flight Lieut. Victor Henry McElroy, D.F.C.
Victor Henry McElroy (Harry) was the son of William McElroy and Emily Hyacinth Chevers, grandson of Patrick McElroy, and great grandson of Henry McElroy. He was born in Richmond in 1897. He was killed in action over France in 1918. He was jumped by enemy fighters while engaged in tree top level "ground strafe" against German troops and transport. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.) posthumously.
Flight Lieut. Victor Henry McElroy, D.F.C.
Harry's D.F.C. was awarded to his father William on Parliament Hill in 1919 by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII). The citation for Harry's decoration reads as follows:
This officer has been conspicuous for his courage and determination in attacking enemy troops, transport, huts, etc. on bombing raids. Carrying out this service at low altitudes, his success has been marked, and he has inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, his machine being frequently badly shot about owing to heavy hostile fire which he had encountered.
There is a plaque and memorial to Harry in St. John's Anglican Church, in Richmond.
The letter from his commanding officer recommending Harry for the DFC may be found at The Air Force Association of Canada website.
Harry is commemorated in the Department of Veterans Affairs Canadian Virtual War Memorial, which also provides an image of page 457 of the First World War Book of Remembrance, where Harry is listed.
