This memorial to the Thornaby Aerodrome was unveiled by Wing Commander Hank Costain MBE on 8th of May 1997. Sculptor – Tony Maw, Architect- David Shuttlesworth, Stonemason – Bob Weatherill.
Just behind the memorial is an aerodrome boundary marker which was re-located from Stainsby at the eastern side of the aerodrome
I was lucky enough to be part of the team that built the Airman that is part of the airfield memorial. At the time I was working for Tony Maw at Green Dragon Restorations in Finkle Street Stockton when we got the commission. Tony set out the dimensions for the figure and started the sculpting, I did most if of the work on the uniform. The original was cast in clay and once a mould had been made the final piece was cast in ‘cold-cast bronze’ This is a resin material that has bronze filings added to give the apperance of metal. We also made a limited number of the same figures in miniature mounted on a woddern plinth.
I was particularly proud to be part of the team as I grew up on Thornaby so it was a great honor. I still point it out to the kids everythime we drive past which most be wearing thin as that is at least once a week.
i have one of the miniatures, number 210. never seen another one anywhere. i wonder if chris remembers how many were made and if he managed to get one?
I do photography around and about the Teesside area but I have never seen this before, could any of you tell me whereabouts in Thornaby this is please?
The memorial is on Thornaby Road, between Sinnington Road and Martinet Road. It is not a life-size figure and from a distance looks strange really, like a child. The marker is behind it but it is not in its original position.