The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP paid tribute to one of Moffat's most famous sons, Lord Hugh Dowding during a moving event in Argentina to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
In a speech to war veterans, diplomats from around the world and top brass from the UK and Argentina, he described Lord Dowding’s role as the architect of the RAF’s victory in the Battle of Britain – and how he continues to be honoured in Moffat with a Spitfire fly-past, every September.
The event at the British Embassy in Buenos Aires was two-fold – to honour veterans who served in the war and the commemorate the contribution of Argentine airmen who served with the RAF.
Around 6000 Argentines served with the RAF and Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII.
The Argentinians has their own RAF squadron – 164 Squadron – which supported the D Day landings.
Among the Allied veterans the Secretary of State met and honoured were two Scots who are now part of the British expat community in Buenos Aires.
Mary Chapman, from Edinburgh, was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and was involved in Operation Overlord.
Sub Lt Ronald (Rony) Scott flew Sea Furys (Navy version of the spitfire) from 1943 to 1946 with the Royal Navy Reserve.
He later moved to Argentina to serve with the Argentinian air force, and has made his home in the country.
He is 99 years and 11 months old.
The reception was attended by top brass from the RAF and Argentine air force. A special plaque commemorating the heroism of 164 squadron was presented to the Argentine air force.
The whole event was dignified and moving – all those present were deeply conscious of the veterans’ heroism and the debt of gratitude we owe them.