Moth Wireless Training #4833 Crash - Simons Valley, Alberta
Posted by: 
graylling
N 51° 16.200 W 114° 15.731
11U E 690978 N 5683411
The crash site of Moth Wireless Training # 4833.
Waymark Code: WM4XDG
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 10/09/2008
Views: 83
On 10 November, 1941 F/O James Robinson and LAC Karl Gravell were on a training flight in Moth Wireless Trainer #4833. For reasons unknown they crashed in the schoolyard of the Big Springs School in Simons Valley near Airdrie, Alberta. The following is an excerpt from the plaque at the site.
"On November 10, 1941, Moth Wireless Training No.4833 crashed in Simons' Valley and immediately burst into flames. The Trainee Wireless Air Gunner, LAC K.M. Gravell, 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, LAC's Gravell's first and only thought was for the welfare of his pilot so, finding that his pilot was still in the aircraft and ignoring the fact that his own clothes were ablaze, he attempted to get back to the flaming wreckage to pull his pilot clear, but had barely reached the aircraft when Mrs. F. Walsh (School Teacher) at great danger to herself, ran up and dragged him away. Mrs. Walsh rolled him on the ground to extinguish the flames which had, by this time, completely enveloped his clothing. LAC 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."
This memorial is accessible at all times. Parking in the area is limited to the roadside.
Web Address for Related Web Sites: [Web Link]
Date of Crash: 11/10/1941
Aircraft Model: Moth
Military or Civilian: Military
Tail Number: 4833
Cause of Crash:
unknown at this time
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