Teesside International Airport joined the nation in a poignant tribute on Thursday, 8 May, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a touching ceremony, wartime artefact exhibition, and a spectacular flypast.
At precisely 12 noon, the airport fell silent as passengers, staff, and veterans paused for a two-minute reflection to honour those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.
A Journey Through History
Before and after the silence, visitors were treated to a powerful exhibition curated by aviation historian Geoff Hall, from Sedgefield. Set up near the departure entrance, the display featured rare wartime relics — including the original logbooks of legendary RAF pilots Guy Gibson, leader of the Dambusters raid, and Douglas Bader, a double-amputee fighter ace of the Battle of Britain.
Geoff’s passion for preserving military history stems from his father’s service in the Royal Army Service Corps during the war. Sharing his father’s story, Geoff recounted:
“He landed on D-Day at Arromanches, transported tanks through France, reached Antwerp, and was present during the liberation of Belsen. He was stranded there for over a month due to a cholera outbreak. He didn’t return home until 1946.”
Many visitors were visibly moved as they explored the artefacts and listened to Geoff’s stories — a powerful reminder of the horrors endured by service members and civilians alike.
Ceremony of Remembrance
As the ceremony began, a group of veterans stood in front of the departures lounge while one of them solemnly recited “They Shall Not Grow Old.” A Union Jack was then unfurled, followed by The Last Post played over loudspeakers. The two-minute silence was observed with heartfelt respect.
To conclude the silence, Geoff rang an old school bell, symbolising the pealing of church bells across Britain in 1945 when peace in Europe was declared.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen attended the event and praised the efforts to keep VE Day’s legacy alive.
“We must remember those who fell and the communities forever changed by war,” said Mr Houchen. “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.”
Spectacular Flypast
Capping off the commemorative day, Draken Europe orchestrated a dramatic flypast over Teesside Airport, a visual tribute that left many spectators emotional and reflective.
Geoff spoke once again after the flypast, highlighting the brutal realities faced by wartime crews:
“Imagine sitting in a -30°C turret for hours, blinded by cordite fumes, freezing with tears stuck to your cheeks, unable to leave your post, even to use the toilet. The bravery is beyond comprehension.”
Honouring Teesside’s Wartime Legacy
Teesside Airport itself has deep military roots. First established as an aerodrome in 1938, it hosted RAF squadrons 76 and 78 by 1941, and became a home base for Canadian forces in 1942. Between then and 1945, over 1,200 Canadian air personnel based at the site lost their lives.
Geoff reflected on the emotional weight of the day:
“I’ve met veterans in their 80s and 90s who still suffer nightmares. This day is about them — honouring those we’ve lost and those who came home. We must keep their memories alive.”
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