MORE than 150 people braved the cold to honour the sacrifice made by airmen during the Second World War.

The Middleton St George Memorial Association held its annual event on Saturday outside the St George Hotel at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

The solemn service, which marked the achievements of veterans of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the RAF, was conducted by the Reverend Colin Lingard.

As part of the ceremony, a bench was unveiled in honour of veteran Jimmy Anlin who died on October 10, last year, aged 87.

His ashes were also scattered in front of the Andrew Mynarski statue, which Mr Amlin and his wife successfully campaigned to get erected.

Quiet respects were paid to Mr Amlin, who joined the Canadian air force in 1943 and trained in Winnipeg.

He took part in the D-Day Landings and served in several battles before being injured in Belgium and flown home.

Andy Bullement served 22 years in the Royal Air Force and is now chairman of the Middleton St George Memorial Association. He said: “There are only five veterans left from the association. In 1985, we had 400 – it’s funny how things change. It was mainly young people who came out, which is good. It’s nice for them to pay their respects.

“It was very cold out there, but the service was really lovely and the day went off without a hitch. There were a few tears, but that’s natural – it’s a very emotional event.”

Among the veterans was Ena Bullement – Mr Bullement’s wife – who was also a member of the RAF. An emotional Mrs Bullement said: “It’s a very important day. I just hope the younger generation understands what’s gone on and appreciate the sacrifices people have made for them to live free.

“The memories are very clear for me and days like this are important to honour and remember people who have given so much for this country.”

Veterans’ pride as service badges presented

WAR veterans from across the region were honoured for their services to the Armed Forces on Saturday.

More than 150 people attended a ceremony at Neville Community Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, where the Right Honorable Colonel James Ramsbotham presented 45 Veteran’s Badges to former service personnel.

A further 50, who were unable to attend the event, have applied for their badge to be sent by post.

Peter Beaty, president of the Friends of Senior Citizens group, in Newton Aycliffe, who served in the RAF for nine years, organised the event.

He thanked Tesco and Lidl for supporting the event, and all the local businesses and organisations that donated food for an afternoon tea after the ceremony.

Mr Beaty said: “It went exceptionally well and everybody had a thoroughly good day.

“The Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band greeted the veterans and the town’s RAF Cadets formed a guard of honour.”

Leftover food was donated to the homeless refuge Hope House, in the town, and Aycliffe Nursing Home.

A raffle in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association raised £100.