ONE of the best-attended memorial services in nearly 50 years this morning commemorated the 1,266 airmen who lost their lives flying from RAF Middleton St George during the Second World War.

Several hundred people turned up to pay their respects at the ceremony, which was made all the more poignant as it was held almost 80 years to the day that Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski won the Victoria Cross by sacrificing his own life in his attempt to save his rear gunner who appeared trapped in their burning Lancaster bomber.

(Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Part of the reason for the healthy attendance was that at least five election candidates, from the two main parties, were present.

The religious service was led by Reverend Squadron Leader John Baptiste, from RAF Leeming, beside the large statue of Mynarski outside the former officers’ mess at what is now Teesside airport.

(Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

In all, 20 people were called to lay wreathes on behalf of the RAF, the Canadian Air Force, local cadet organisations and veterans’ associations, and political parties.

“It was great to see so many people present on what is a very significant anniversary for us,” said Geoff Hill, chairman of the memorial association, which has been holding the ceremony since the 1970s.

(Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO) (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO) (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO) (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Pam Royle with Denis Grubb of Stockton RAFA.Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Pam Royle with Denis Grubb of Stockton RAFA. (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO) (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)