The Argentine nemesis of Falklands hero Sharkey Ward has died aged 78.
Carlos Tomba was dubbed the “pilot who made the British surrender at his feet” in his homeland.
He was a member of 12 senior military figures who called themselves ‘The Dirty Dozen’.
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He received Argentina’s highest military decoration for taking part in half a dozen combat missions during the Falklands War in 1982.
Tomba was also the nemesis of British Falklands hero Nigel ‘Sharkey’ Ward, who passed away at the age of 80 in May last year.
In the years since the conflict, both Ward and Tomba spoke highly of each other’s piloting skills in multiple documentaries.
They were involved in a brutal dogfight over Goose Green when Ward eventually got the better of his Argentine foe.
But he watched in disbelief as Tomba remained with his burning plane until the very last moment before ejecting.
The Argentine pilot then walked back to base through enemy territory and lived to fight another day.
Ward said of the battle: “I thought ‘well, what a character’.
“He stayed with the plane until it just wouldn’t fly, and got out just before it hit the ground.
“And apparently walked back to Goose Green.
“He was captured later, but I have nothing but the highest respect for him.
“That was real bravery.”
Tomba, who was 36 years old at the time of the conflict, was captured by the British five days after his dogfight with Ward when Goose Green fell.
He was kept in a small two-by-three room in an old meatpacking plant until being handed over to the Argentine military one month after the war ended.
As he spoke English, he served as the group’s interpreter for the British doctors who treated the wounded Argentine soldiers.
After the war, Tomba’s courage became legend in his home country.
He was praised for his piloting prowess and leadership skills.
He was also awarded the Argentine Nation for Heroic Valour in Combat Cross, the highest military decoration in Argentina.
Over the years, he actively participated in various veterans’ associations and educational projects, passing on his experience of the war to younger generations.
Tomba passed away peacefully in his hometown of Mendoza at the age of 78 on Wednesday (16 Apr), as reported by Need To Know.
During the Falklands War, Ward flew over 60 missions and became the leading night pilot – making three air-to-air kills using cannon fire and Sidewinder missiles.
He led 801 Naval Air Squadron, which was based on HMS Invincible.
Ward was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and earned the nickname ‘Mister Sea Harrier’.
