Airport commemorates wartime heritage

A North East transport hub is celebrating its wartime heritage with a week-long public exhibition marking 80 years since Victory in Europe.

Teesside International Airport – formerly RAF Middleton St George – has launched a VE Day 80 commemoration with a special event attended by military veterans and a flypast by aviation specialists Draken Europe. 

The airport terminal now hosts a historical exhibition curated by aviation historian Geoff Hill, featuring rare wartime artefacts including a Lancaster bomber gun turret, original RAF uniforms and a Victoria Cross display honouring Andrew Mynarski, a Canadian airman who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during the Normandy Landings of 1944.

Open to passengers and the public, the exhibition brings the airport’s Second World War legacy to life on the same runway where thousands of holidaymakers now take off for their European holidays.

Geoff, who is chairman of the Middleton St George Memorial Association, said: “I’m proud to bring this collection to Teesside International. 

“From the heroic actions of Mynarski VC to the stories of lesser-known crews, this exhibition is a tribute to all who served here.

“I hope people take the opportunity to come and discover the remarkable wartime heritage behind our local airport.”

Simon Tate, UK managing director for Draken, added: “It is our privilege to be able to support this all-important event, honouring the courage, sacrifice and resilience of all those who fought for freedom and peace in World War II – the legacy of whom dwells within many of our own ex-military employees.”

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, which recently pledged its commitment to supporting service personnel and veterans by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, added: “We’re incredibly proud of our airport’s roots as RAF Middleton St George. 

“This event is a brilliant way of paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served – and showing that even as we grow and modernise, we never forget where we came from.

“I’d encourage everyone, from families to history buffs, to come down, explore the exhibition, and learn about the rich past of their local airport.”

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