Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Karl Mander Gravell
In memory of:
Leading Aircraftman Karl Mander Gravell
November 10, 1941
Simon's Valley, Alberta
Military Service
R/97644
19
Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
The following details are given in the London Gazette of 11th June, 1942:
In November 1941, a training aircraft in which L.A.C. Gravell was the Wireless Operator/Air Gunner crashed and burst into flames. He managed to extricate himself and get clear of the wreckage, suffering severe burns and the loss of an eye. His first and only thought was for the pilot, still in the aircraft, and despite his injuries and burning clothing, he attempted to reach the flaming wreckage and pull the pilot clear. He was dragged back and rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames which enveloped him but subsequently died from burns. Had he not considered the pilot before his own safety he would probably not have lost his life.
War Medal 1939-45
George Cross
Additional Information
September 22, 1922
Norrkoping, Sweden
March 15, 1941
Vancouver, British Columbia
Son of Carl Helge Gravell and Anna Lisa Gravell, of Vancouver, British Columbia.
The province of British Columbia honoured Leading Aircraftman Gravell by naming Gravell Point in his honour.
Commemorated on Page 31 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.
Burial Information
VANCOUVER (MOUNTAIN VIEW) CEMETERY
British Columbia, Canada
Block 4. Plot 7. Lot 2.
Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Digital Collection
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Newspaper clipping – Newspaper article. The Vancouver Sun, June 11, 1942 -
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Newspaper clipping – The Vancouver Sun Nov 17, 1942 -
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Newspaper clipping – From the Toronto Telegram June 1942. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me -
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Newspaper clipping – From the Vancouver Province c.1941. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me -
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Photo of KARL MANDER GRAVELL – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me -
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Photo of Karl Gravell -
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Photo of Karl Gravell – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me -
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Document – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me -
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Biography – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me -
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Newspaper Clipping – Source: Globe and Mail November 13, 1941 -
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Report – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me -
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Document – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me -
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George Cross – The George Cross was awarded for an act of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It was intended primarily for civilians and award in the military services was confined to actions for which purely military honours were not normally granted and awarded for actions not in the face of the enemy. -
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Grave marker
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