Teesside International Airport has hosted a special 80th VE Day Celebration to commemorate its proud heritage as a vital Second World War base.
Marking 80 years since Victory in Europe, the airport – formerly RAF Middleton St George – will host a full week of free-to-view historical exhibits, beginning on Thursday, 8 May.
As part of the official commemoration day, the airport welcomed military veterans, and at 1.30pm hosted a flypast from Draken Europe, the specialist aviation firm now based at the airport.
At the heart of the commemorations is a fascinating exhibition curated by aviation historian Geoff Hill, featuring genuine wartime artefacts including:
The exhibition will be on display throughout the airport terminal for passengers and the public to explore, bringing the history of RAF Middleton St George to life where thousands of holidaymakers now depart for destinations across Europe.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Today, we all love our airport for being our region’s a gateway to the world. But it’s place steeped in history. As we continue our airport’s transformation, it’s absolutely right that we pause to remember its vital role in the war effort.
“These VE Day celebrations are about honouring those who served with courage and sacrifice, including the many who never came home.
“By hosting this exhibition and flypast, we’re giving people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool the chance to connect with their history, reflect on our shared past, celebrate the role our airport played in shaping it and look ahead to the future.”
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said: “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.”
Geoff Hill, 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 MD for Draken, said: “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.”
Mark Thompson, the Royal British Legion’s Stockton Branch Parade Marshall, said: “It was an honour to stand alongside my fellow veterans and lead the standard bearers at Teesside Airport today. RAF Middleton St George holds a special place in our history, and to see it remembered with such dignity and respect was deeply moving.
“We came not just to mark a date, but to pay tribute to those who gave everything – men and women who served with courage, and in many cases, never returned. The turnout today, the tributes, the flypast, the effort made by so many – it shows that our region hasn’t forgotten.
“As veterans, we will always carry those memories. We will always remember them, and to remember is to honour.”