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A lasting tribute to a Second World War hero has been paid with the naming of the road connecting to Teesside International Airport’s new £200million business park.
The newly built mile-long road to Business Park South from the A67 will be known as Mynarski Way, after Canadian air gunner Andrew Mynarski who flew from Teesside Airport during its time as a military base in the Second World War.
Pilot Officer Mynarski was the only Canadian air gunner to receive a Victoria Cross, which was awarded for his bravery in trying to rescue his trapped Lancaster bomber crewmate as their plane went down over France in 1944.
The airman was posthumously honoured following his death aged just 27 in the tragedy. A statue already stands proudly on the airport’s grounds and he has now been further recognised with the naming of the new road.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen unveiled new road signs with Geoff Hill, chairman of Middleton St George Memorial Association.
Mayor Houchen said: “While we continue to move forward as an airport, it is essential that we remember what has gone before during its time as a Bomber Base and the huge sacrifices made by those who fought to defend our freedoms.
“We want to ensure the incredible bravery of Andrew Mynarski and his tremendous contribution are never forgotten. This is an important way in which we can permanently mark his heroism.”
Geoff Hill welcomed the naming of the new road and said it further added to remembrance efforts.
Mr Hill said: “It is a real tribute and an honour. It is a major part of the airport’s history and important to remember the lads and lasses who worked and served here – and who lost their lives here.”
A sponsored walk organised by the Friends of Teesside International Airport from the airport’s Mynarski Statue is also to take place in May – with those taking part walking almost 10 miles to the McMullen Memorial, in Darlington, and back to the airport.
Money raised will be used to fund two memorial pavestones on the Ribbon of Remembrance at the International Bomber Command Centre, in Lincoln, with funds also set to go to the Teesside Airport Foundation.
Construction of the link road to Business Park South began in May 2022 and connects to the first unit which has also now been built.
A new footpath and cycleway are also part of the development to provide access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Business Park South at Teesside International Airport will cover 270 acres and create up to 4,400 jobs when fully operational, made up of 2.8million sq ft of logistics, distribution, and industrial buildings.
Four units covering 130,000sq ft will be created in the first phase of the southside development.
For further information on development opportunities and available property at Teesside International Airport, contact commercial agents Colliers or Dodds Brown.
