Andrew Mynarski was educated at Winnipeg, Manitoba and later employed as a leather worker. He enlisted in the Winnipeg Rifles in 1940 and transferred to the RCAF the following year.
Andrew Mynarski
Andrew Mynarski was educated at Winnipeg, Manitoba and later employed as a leather worker. He enlisted in the Winnipeg Rifles in 1940 and transferred to the RCAF the following year.
In 1942 Andrew Charles “Andy” Mynarski trained as an air gunner and transferred to No. 9 Squadron, RAF and in 1944 joined No. 419 Squadron where he complete 12 operational flights. During service with this squadron, Mynarski was awarded the Victoria Cross. On June 12, 1944 Mynarski and the crew aboard a Lancaster bomber were sent to attack a target at Cambrai in France. The aircraft came under heavy attack and both engines failed. As the plane lost altitude, the crew bailed out while Mynarski tried to save the rear gunner trapped in the turret.
Mynarski's attempts were unsuccessful and finally he jumped from the flaming aircraft but not without a final salute to his comrade. Mynarski was found with his clothes and parachute still aflame and later died from his injuries. The rear gunner miraculously survived the crash and explained that had Mynarski not stayed behind, he would have most certainly escaped death.
Born: 14 Oct 1916, Winnipeg, MB Died: 12 June 1944 Awards: VC
