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two pages of a letter written in black ink on a piece of paper
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MERMOZ Jean 2 letters ‘Jean’ and ‘Mermoz’, Casablanca, 8 March and 10 April 1926, to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 4 and 6 pages, small quarto. On his stay in Casablanca, and plans for a road trip. 8 March. He has been in Casablanca for six days: ‘Absolutely just like life in France, and then the ever-present fine weather, apart from the mist we have in the morning […] At the moment I’m doing Casa–Rabat–Tangier–Málaga and back in a single day; then, on Thursdays and Sundays, I’m off to Fez, and soon I’ll also be making trips to Dakar. All in all, I like Casa. Life here is intense, superficial and uncomplicated. Most of the people who live here are spirited folk who work hard and enjoy themselves immensely. Everyone knows one another, and there’s no point in overanalysing things. No one is unaware of what the others are up to, and vice versa. I’ve rarely seen a city where there’s so little prejudice and so much frankness. ‘It’s really lovely.’ He’s staying at a hotel, but is going to take a room in town: ‘I’ll rent some Moroccan furniture on the cheap and make myself a comfortable, if only temporary, “home”.’ He hopes to find a better position this year: ‘I think I’ll have to give up on the raid I’d been planning. This year, three major companies—with their pilots, of course—will be vying for my attention. My friend and I had found one, but the single-engine aircraft, which hadn’t yet proven itself, didn’t inspire confidence in us. There’s no point in attempting it without a good chance of success. It would serve absolutely no purpose, and risking one’s life for the sole sake of pleasure is not a goal»…. 10 April. “We had 10 days of bad weather from 20 to 30 March, the spring equinox. Hard work, naturally, and crossing the strait wasn’t very pleasant, though rarely impossible despite everything. Now the sky is marvellous and the trips are a breeze. I haven’t stopped. I’ve made 21 trips since 20 March, one a day (as two mates have left home). […] I’m doing a fine old job despite the tiredness of the last few days. My work takes precedence over my leisure because I love it more, and when it’s intense, I establish a regular routine for myself, which allows me to maintain a steady effort without burning out and to achieve a level of stamina that almost all other pilots on the line have never been able to match. It’s simply a matter of willpower. Grandmother needn’t worry. I’m no regular at the dance hall and get bored to death when I do happen to go there. I go to the seaside morning and evening; I go horse-riding, do fencing and a bit of athletics. I’ve rented a room in town which I’ve decorated with Moroccan rugs. I like it there and prefer to spend my evenings there; I entertain male friends there and sometimes… female ones! Or I read; in short, I don’t get bored. […] Casablanca is a chic city. There are some very pretty spots and lovely walks in Morocco. I’ll probably buy a car (if I spend the summer here, that is) and go and visit Marrakesh, Agadir, Meknes and Fez (which I already know, as I go there twice a week on courier duty). I went to Rio de Oro once on the Dakar route. […] The Aero-Club has informed me that I’ll be receiving a silver medal for 1925 […] My nomination for the red ribbon still stands, but I don’t think I’ll get it this year as I’m one of the youngest airline pilots; I’m sure I’ll get it next year, though’... Correspondence, Nos. 80 and 84. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - 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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