Pic: Phil Charlton
A final reminder of what a pleasure it has been for the UK to host the Canadian “Mynarski” Lancaster over the last few weeks. Photographer Chas Stoddard somehow managed to secure an “access all areas” ticket when it visited the old RAF Middleton St George RAF station (now Durham Tees Valley airport), and has posted an evocative photo essay online.
Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski was stationed with RCAF 419 Squadron at Middleton St George when he lost his life in the incident for which he was awarded the VC on 12 June 1944. There is a statue of him outside what used to be the Officers Mess at the airport, and a memorial plaque to all the men of 419, 420 and 428 Squadrons who lost their lives.
