Gravell, Karl Mander (Leading Aircraftman)

Citation of Valour

The KING has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Canadian Ministers, to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE. CROSS to the undermentioned: "”

Leading Aircraftman K. M. Gravell (deceased), Royal Canadian Air Force.

In November, 1941, a training aircraft crashed and immediately burst into flames. Leading Aircraftman Gravell, who was under training as a wireless air gunner, managed to extricate himself from the wreckage and get clear. In spite of the intense shock caused by the loss of one eye and severe burns, suffered at the time of the crash, Leading Aircraftman Graveil's first and only thought was for the welfare of his pilot. The pilot was still in the aircraft and Gravell ignoring his own serious injuries and the fact that his clothes were ablaze attempted to get back to the flaming wreckage to pull him clear. He had barely reached the aircraft when he was dragged away and rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames which had, by this time, completely enveloped his clothing. Leading Aircraftman Gravell subsequently died from his burns. Had he not considered his pilot before his own safety and had he immediately proceeded to extinguish the flames on his own clothing, he would probably not have lost his life.

London Gazette AFRO 1000-1001/42 dated 3 July 1942

Born in Norkkoping, Sweden, 24 September 1922. Educated in Sweden to 1936; at Kitsilano High School, 1937-1939; at King Edward High School, 1939-1940. Enlisted in Vancouver, 15 March 1941. Posted to No.2 Manning Depot that day as AC2; to No.12 SFTS, Brandon, 16 May 1941 (guard duty); to No.2 Wireless School, 19 July 1941. Promoted to LAC, 18 August 1941. Not the most disciplined pupil; on 3 July 1941 he forfeited seven days pay; on 5 September 1941 he was awarded 120 hours detention.

At 2 Wireless School, Calgary Alberta, Gravell earned the George Cross when his Menasco Moth 4833 crashed and burned twenty miles north-west of Calgary, Flying Officer J Robinson also killed.

The aircraft crashed in the yard of the Big Springs School and a teacher, Mrs F Walsh and her pupils pulled Gravell away from the wreckage. They rolled him on the ground to extinguish his clothing and rendered first aid until medical officers arrived. Mrs Walsh was burned about the face and suffered shock but ignored her injuries until Gravell was tended to. She was awarded the George Medal for her heroic efforts. Leading Aircraftman Wireless Operator Air Gunner Gravell is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery at Vancouver, British Columbia. Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario