Andrew Charles

Mynarski VC

"...as a last gesture to the trapped gunner, he turned towards him, stood at attention in his flaming clothing and saluted..."

Name: Andrew Charles Mynarksi
Born: October 14, 1916
Died: June 13, 1944
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Rank: Pilot Officer
Served: 1941 – 1944
Service Number: J/87544
Force: Air Force
Unit: Royal Canadian Air Force
Division: 419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita)
Awards: Victoria Cross

The actions of Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski were the first for which a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force received the Victoria Cross, the highest possible war honour. Mynarski died on June 13, 1944 during an attack at Cambrai, France when the Lancaster bomber on which he was serving as mid-upper gunner came under fire from an enemy fighter. Despite orders from the pilot to abandon the plane and jump to safety, Mynarski rushed to the back of the burning plane in an attempt to save trapped tail gunner (and friend) Pat Brophy’s life.

Andrew Mynarski
Experience the
Stories
Andrew Mynarski
Experience the
Stories
Andrew Mynarski