WAR planes are special by their very nature. These brutally beautiful symbols of the iron will and determination shown by the Allied Forces as they fought in the Second World War can evoke deep emotions in us all. Even those of us too young to have lived during wartime Britain will stop and stare and cherish the sight, however fleeting, of these majestic machines as they flypast during commemorative events and military occasions. The Lancaster visiting the North East this summer is particularly special. It is dedicated to the memory of Canadian flight officer Andrew Mynarski who flew from the Royal Canadian Air Force base at Middleton St George near Darlington. Mynarski was awarded the highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross, in honour of his selfless attempts to save a comrade after their Lancaster was shot down over France on June 13, 1944. The Mynarski Memorial Lancaster is painted in the colours of the original plane flown by Mynarski’s squadron and will land at the former base, now Durham Tees Valley Airport, on August 28.

Geoff Hill, chairman of the Middleton St George Memorial Association, described the visit as a once in a lifetime opportunity for enthusiasts and the general public alike to get close to one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world. The association has liaised with officials at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum which houses the craft and Mr Hill is thrilled that Middleton St George was included in the flight schedule. He said: “We were absolutely delighted; we didn’t think it was going to happen. In our past reunions we have had the Battle of Britain Lancaster flypast, and she has landed here too, but we never thought that there was a real possibility of the Lancaster coming all the way from Canada. It has been a long-time arranged affair by the people at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.”

Mr Hill’s personal interest in the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster and war history in general was inspired by his late father Johnny. He fought in the Second World War, playing his part in monumental operations including the D-Day Landings and liberating the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Mr Hill said that although his father rarely spoke about his wartime experiences, the bravery of all those who served should never be forgotten. “Mynarski’s story is quite special, what he did was remarkable,” said Mr Hill. “He was awarded the VC for dedication to duty in trying to save his rear gunner Pat Brophy and there are not many VC’s awarded. So I think it’s important to remember what he did.” He added: “It is hoped that this visit, by a very unique aircraft, will further cement links between Canada and our community.”

The Memorial Association has been working with officials from Durham Tees Valley Airport and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum to organise special events to mark the Mynarski Lancaster’s arrival. A family fun day is planned, with attractions including the Lincolnshire-based Living History group who will present a historical re-enactment with authentic World War Two RCAF uniforms and wartime memorabilia. The St George Hotel on the airport site will host the Lancaster crew who will be invited to lay a wreath at the Andrew Mynarski statue in the grounds. The hotel will also offer a menu of wartime meals.

Mr Hill himself is taking part in the celebrations with a wartime stall featuring photographs and memorabilia from the Middleton St George RCAF base – which was known as ‘Goosepool’ in recognition of the farm it was built near. Mr Hill, on behalf of the Memorial Association, will also present the Lancaster crew with a framed certificate bearing the crest of Mynarski’s squadron. The crew will also receive original pieces of crockery, including a goose egg cup, that were actually used at the base during the war. Mr Hill described the items as “priceless” and they will be taken back to go on display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario.

The Mynarski Lancaster’s visit is part of the summer’s Battle of Britain commemorations which will see it join the Lancaster from RAF Coningsby at various events across the country. But its return to Mynarski’s home base is bound to be a particularly poignant occasion for veterans, for serving forces personnel and for those of us who can’t claim such gallantry and valour but can appreciate just how much we owe the likes of Andrew Mynarski and his Bomber Command comrades.