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a group of old papers with handwriting on them on a white background
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MERMOZ Jean 6 L.A.S. ‘Jean’ (a ‘Mermoz’), Barcelona, March–April 1925, to his ‘Dear Mum’; 12 pages in-4 and 2 pages in-8, on letterhead from the Nueva Pensión Frascati. On the Spanish lines, from Barcelona to Casablanca. 12 March. ‘I’m a bit tired because of the hard work and the constant bad weather. The main thing is that things are moving along, and in that respect I’ve had no cause for complaint so far. I wanted to ask you if, amongst the things in Pontoise, there might be an old gabardine coat or an old raincoat; it would be for riding; I don’t want to wear leather for that – it’s expensive and, as we’re covered in oil by the time we arrive, it would soon be ruined’... – 17 March. He’s going to send him some money. “Let me know in your next letter what you need for your divorce or anything else. […] As for my savings, I’m going to make a deposit at Société Générale here […] I don’t think I’ll have to pay any tax, and that’s quite certain; I’ve already got nearly four thousand francs from the two months I’ve been here; it’s true that I’ve worked hard. Anyway, it’s a start that will grow every month. I’ll leave this deposit here until my trip to France. Spain’s financial situation is also set to take a turn for the worse any day now. […] I’m not interested in military service papers since, as a civilian airline pilot, I’m exempt from conscription”… 1 April. He’s having a sports suit made. ‘It’s amazing how much wear and tear there is, especially when you’re obliged to always look smart and do a job as grubby as ours. As for me, I’m constantly on the move from one end of Spain to the other. Fortunately, the good weather is starting to return. These last two months I’ve just spent have worn me out a bit. I’d never have imagined it was possible to stay aloft in weather like that. I now feel completely confident in myself after what I’ve just been through and intend to make my career in aviation”… – 13 April. “Still up to my ears in work. I hardly ever leave the pilot’s seat, so to speak. It’s mind-numbing at times. The Dakar route is about to open and they’re taking pilots from every aeroplane. Don’t worry, I haven’t been selected. My presence here is too valuable at the moment. I might well pop over there in a few months’ time.” He is summoned for the medical examination at Le Bourget, but will only undergo it whilst on leave. His new suit is ‘as colourful as you could wish for, but […] incredibly sturdy’… – 22 April. He’s worried that his letters might be monitored. He’ll certainly be on leave in August… “There was no chance of me being on the train that derailed. I’ve had three days’ leave this month and I’m making sure I use them to rest. So I don’t go out much”… Wednesday. “You must be worrying yourself sick again. I went on a transport mission and came back by boat from Alicante. I arrived here in the evening, but had to set off again the next day for Málaga. Anyway, you know, I haven’t had a moment to write to you. There’s always as much work as you want. I’m applying for leave in Toulouse from 15 July to 15 August. I hope – and believe – they won’t turn me down”… Correspondence, nos. 43, 44, 51, 52, 47. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family
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About the sale Historical Memories
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Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
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