Miss Ashburnham, born on 13 May 1905, was a 11-year old school girl at the time of the award of her Albert Medal. On 23 September 1916, Miss Ashburnham and a 8 years' old boy left their homes at Cowichan Lake (Vancover Island) to ride their ponies. During the walk to the Island their were attacked by a cougar, which initially knocked down Miss Ashburnham before attacking the boy. After getting to her feet, Miss Ashburham fought the cougar with her fists and riding equipment. Despite her serious injuries, she succeeded in driving off the cougar from the boy. In the 1930s, Miss Ashburnham moved to the USA where she learnt to fly. During World War Two she she served as a ferry pilot. Doreen Ashburnham died in California in 1991, aged 86. Her George Cross is on display in the Imperial War Museum's Victoria & George Cross Gallery. http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/1671139 http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/BC/doreen_ashburnham.htm http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=1854971
