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119
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MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
119
-
MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
Estimate €700 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
MERMOZ Jean
L.A.S. ‘Mermoz’, Casablanca, 6 May 1927, to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-4.
Proposed transatlantic raid.
He regrets not being able to visit them: ‘I cannot be granted leave at present. Apparently, I am too much needed. I will only be able to take leave at the end of August or beginning of September. Furthermore, I have been corresponding for a month with Colonel Denain regarding a voyage I would like to attempt. Denain considers me capable of it, but could only arrange for me to undertake it in a military capacity. So, I might undertake a one-month period of military service during which I could see action. If I could slip away to New York or Buenos Aires, it would fulfil a wish that is very dear to me. I do not know if this plan will come to fruition. […] I am very pleased that you are satisfied with me, having previously been unable to give you the satisfaction you were entitled to expect from me. General Girod has dedicated an article to me personally in *France Militaire* with the title ‘Jean Mermoz: a civilian soldier’! […] He is nominating me for the Legion of Honour. I’m furious […] I’m not very keen on this sort of overly personal promotion, as I am simply one member of our phalanx, quite simply”…
Correspondence, no. 113.
Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936);
- Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955);
- Subsequently passed down through the family
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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