Capt J R Montenegro To Air Commodore Powell 14.5.45
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Steve Frenche Collection
08/07/2026
Rare and historically significant, presentation set including the unique variant of the Cuban "Naval" Air Force pilot's wing was presented to Air Commodore Griffith "Taffy" Powell by Captain Juan RÃos Montenegro.. After the glass broke, I examined the wings more closely.Revealing Wings were named to the Air Commodore on the rear.
- The Event: The image documents the "Presentation of honorary pilots wings" by the Cuban Naval Air Service (Marina de Guerra).
- The Context: Air Commodore Powell (visible on the left in his Royal Air Force uniform featuring his characteristic rank braids) traveled to Cuba during his tenure commanding No. 45 Group (RAF Transport Command). During this critical mid-May 1945 window—exactly at the conclusion of the war in Europe—diplomatic and military ceremonies were conducted to honor key Allied leaders who coordinated international air routes, aircraft ferry pipelines, and regional maritime patrols.
- The Markings: The right side of the photograph features an authentic relief stamp from the host organization reading:
REPUBLICA DE CUBA
MARINA DE GUERRA
PRENSA (Press)
Juan Rios Montenegro is a famous figure in Cuban aviation history. He was an elite pilot who made history by becoming the very first Cuban pilot to enlist and fight with the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, joining the fight as early as 1941. Having survived the air war over Europe, he returned to Cuba. This presentation on May 14, 1945, exactly six days after VE Day, was a profound full-circle moment. The Cuban aviator who had volunteered to serve under British command was formally presenting his country's highest honorary naval pilot wings to the head of the RAF's transatlantic operation.
