Wings of Thunder - Wartime RAF Veterans Flying in From Argentina

LONDON, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- 12 RAF veterans have arrived in London from Argentina to attend a thanksgiving service at St Clement Danes tomorrow. This will be followed by the UK launch of "Wings of Thunder", the history of over 600 Argentine volunteers who flew in the British and Canadian airforces during the war. Many of them flew with the 164 Argentine-British RAF squadron whose shield bore the sun of the Argentine flag and the motto, Determined We Fly (Firmes Volamos).

At the launch of "Wings of Thunder", tribute will also be paid to Argentina's wartime ambassador to London, Miguel Angel Carcano. He refused to abandon London during the Blitz, saying, "As long as the King and Queen stay in London, I will too."

In recognition of his support, the Argentine embassy was granted the exclusive right to repair any damage caused by Nazi bombs.

Along with the veterans and Ambassador Carcano's daughter Stella, the authors of Wings of Thunder, Claudio Meunier and Carlos Garcia will be at the book launch on Thursday April 7th. Claudio Garcia, also an aviator artist will be exhibiting five of his illustrations.

The veterans will also meet members of the London-based Anglo-Argentine Society many of whom, including Vice-President Alexandra Daniell, had relatives among the 4,000 Argentines who between them served with all three British armed services during the War.

Notes to Editors: The service will be held at St Clement Dane's at 11am on Thursday 7th April. The RAF Church contains the Shield of 164 Squadron. The book launch is at the Embassy at 5.00pm.

Pictures of the shield of 164 Squadron, The Argentine-British, are available on request.

The Vice President of the Anglo-Argentine Society, Alexandra Daniell (020 7235 5031), is the daughter of Lt. Ray Cameron who served with British Army in the RASC during the war. All three of her uncles who were volunteers from Argentina also were killed in action while serving in the RAF and the RCAF.

Issued by The Anglo-Argentine Society in conjuction with the Argentine Embassy

SOURCE The Anglo-Argentine Society