Photo: Facebook
The memorial of Manuel Zarauza Clavero, Spanish Civil War participant and aviator, was installed in his birthplace, Santona (Cantabria). Russian Embassy in Spain told this on its Facebook page.
Local residents, representatives of the local administration, including Mayor of the city, military historians, aviator’s descendants and Russian diplomats took part in the inaugural ceremony.
Manuel Zarauza Clavero was one of the best military aviators who were fighting enemies in Spanish skies. He shot down more that 20 planes.
The aviator left his birthplace after dictator Franco came to power. Clavero relocated to Soviet Union and joined the fighters against fascists. He became the Red Army officer and was fighting in Volga region and Caucasus during the Great Patriotic War and teaching young aviators. He died tragically in 1942 during the air exercises in Baku.
Photo: Facebook
The Secretary of Russian Embassy in Madrid Alexander Korchagin recalled in his speech that hundreds of Spanish soldiers were fighting during the Great Patriotic War. Their contribution to the victory over fascism cannot be overemphasized. There were many children among them, sent to Soviet Union by their parents to save them from war.
Diplomat paid attention to the diplomatic mission aimed at restoring and preserving historical memory of Soviet volunteers including aviators, who helped the Republic and died in battles in Spain.
Russkiy Mir
