Gravell, Karl Mander

Date of birth:: September 27th, 1922 (Norkopping, Sweden)
Date of death:: November 10th, 1941 (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Mountain View Cemetery
Plot: 4. Row: 7. Grave: 2.
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

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George Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Leading Aircraftman
Unit:: No. 2 Wireless School, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1942

Citation:
"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 Gravell'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."