Family Pride

One of the big things I miss from my days as a staff photographer on a regional paper is getting involved with the campaigns that support people within the region, and at times even further afield. One such crusade came to fruition 20 years ago when a statue was built to commemorate Canadian World War Two hero Andrew Mynarski VC.

Andrew Charles II Holowaty visits the statue of his great uncle Andrew Mynarski VC.

I like many others was oblivious to his story involving selfless actions which saved the life of his fellow Lancaster bomber crewman and friend Pat Brophy at the expense of his own in June 1944. The aircraft had been hit by enemy fire while carrying out a mission over France. Brophy was trapped in his tail gun turret, and rather than bailing out, Mynarski battled through flames to try and release his comrade, severely burning himself in the process. Brophy survived the crash while Mynarski died from his burns. The crew had flown from a Royal Canadian Air Force base, which is now Teesside International Airport.

Images from 4th June 2005 when Colleen Bacon unveiled the statue and a Lancaster bomber performed a flypast.

Back in June 2005 when the figurine was first unveiled, Colleen Bacon, daughter of Pat Brophy performed the honour. Yesterday however was the first time that one of Andrew Mynarski's relatives had visited. Great nephew Andrew Charles II Holowaty made the journey from St. Andrews in Manitoba, Canada. His pride and admiration on seeing both the statue, and exhibition in tribute to Andrew Mynarski set up within the Airport was clear to see.

Andrew Charles II Holowaty is shown around a wartime exhibition at Teesside International Airport by Geoff Hill, airport historian and chairman of the Middleton St George Memorial Association.

Moments such as these are what makes my job such a pleasure to carry out. Not only witnessing first hand such touching moments, but also gaining a lesson in history.

@TheNorthernEcho @TeesAirport @AndrewMynarski #andrewmynarski #teessideairport #royalcanadianairforce #middletonstgeorge