Scores of war veterans, pilots old an new, and local townsfolk gathered at the weekend to pay tribute to a brave airman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the call of duty and of friendship. Kate Bowman reports.

Of all the poignant and touching remarks made about Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski, none were more fitting than those said by chaplain Colin Lingard.

Addressing a crowd of almost 100 people at Teesside International Airport at an annual remembrance service, he read from the Bible, quoting: "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend."

That is exactly what Canadian Plt Off Mynarski, a rear-gunner, did for Pat Brophy.

As their Lancaster bomber came down over occupied France, on June 13, 1944, he delayed jumping until it was too late as he attempted in vain to save his comrade from the flames.

Saturday's memorial took place on the 60th anniversary of the fatal mission, which took off from RAF Middleton St George, near Darlington.

Canadian Phil Engstad, 62, honorary colonel of 419 squadron, with which Plt Off Mynarski flew during the Second World War, was one of many to fly thousands of miles as a mark of respect.

Having served 34 years as a commanding officer before his retirement in 1994, he said it was his first visit to Middleton St George and he felt honoured to meet veterans and local people.

"It is nice to meet the people who looked after our boys when they were young and created that warmth that draws them back," he said.

Captain Mike Mirza, also of 419 squadron, which is now a training unit, said Plt Off Mynarski was a big part of the squadron's history.

"He was just an ordinary guy who did an extraordinary thing. He gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is definitely a hero," said the 36-year-old.

"We are very proud of our history. We have plaques on our walls, memorabilia and even a room dedicated to Mynarski."

In his native Canada the story of Plt Off Mynarski's bravery is passed down through generations, but in this country his name is remembered only by a few.

The launch of The Northern Echo's campaign for the airman's statue to sit proudly at Teesside airport has been met with immediate support.

John Harpin, 80, from Tyneside, flew with the Canadian airforce as a second pilot in 415 squadron, based in Eastmoor, near York, in 1944.

"We mixed with 419 Squadron quite regularly and would land here at Middleton St George," he said.

"I knew about Mynarski, he was definitely a hero of his time and there is no reason why he should not be honoured for what he did.

"These Canadian chaps were generous, happy people and not at all standoffish. I could not have asked to fly with a better bunch of people - they were like our brothers by the end."

Canadian exchange officer Greg Whyte, who flew with the Nato Flying Training in Canada, is now based at Linton on Ouse, North Yorkshire, training others to fly.

He said: "What Mynarski did is definitely remembered in our forces. He should be remembered here as well."

Len McGaughey, 84, flies over from his home in Trenton Ontario, Canada, every year for the memorial service.

He flew as a navigator with 419 squadron between 1941 and 1944, just before Mynarski joined.

"I never met him, but I remember meeting Pat Brophy at dinners and he spoke very highly of Mynarski. I think having a statue of him is a great idea," he said.

All the gallant airmen who flew out of Middleton St George were remembered at the service, held at the memorial cairn outside the St George Hotel, the former officers' mess for the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Air Force bomber squadrons.

In his address, Mr Lingard, chaplain to Teesside Air Training Corps, at the airport, said Plt Off Mynarski's actions personified the bravery that every airman showed as they went into battle.

He said: "He is the personification of that quality of duty in which life itself takes second place."