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120
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MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
120
-
MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
Estimate €800 - €1,000
Voluntary lot
Description
MERMOZ Jean
L.A.S., Casablanca, 3 June 1927, to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-4 (slight water damage).
Rescue of Éloi Ville, who had been captured by the Moors.
He will not be able to visit his grandparents until September.
‘Here in Casablanca, we’re starting to experience the height of the heat. Over Dakar, there are sirocco winds so hot that we take off our helmets and flight suits whilst in the air; the sand forms a yellow haze that sometimes rises as high as 2,000 metres. Our engines are struggling terribly and we’ve encountered several dust devils. My new co-pilot (Ville having recently been relieved) broke down in the area reputed to be the most treacherous, the Maures. Fortunately, I managed to land nearby on a strip of passable terrain; he only just had time to jump into my aircraft and, after taking two rifle shots, we took off once more, heading straight for the Maures, who were closing in at full speed and were no more than thirty metres away from us. I’m starting to get the hang of it, as this is the second comrade I’ve rescued under the same circumstances whilst waiting for my turn. – It’s only to be expected, really, and we don’t worry about it whilst we wait to do it all over again.
I’m still the happiest of men, although I do feel I’m lacking in activity. If America doesn’t open up, I think I’ll take up flying seaplanes and do the Marseille–Algiers route to round out my pilot’s training. I love the sea and the vast horizons, and what’s more, it will open up new opportunities for me. Colonel Denain is going to put me forward to three aircraft manufacturers with a view to a flight that, unfortunately, I won’t be able to undertake until next year. I, too, am biding my time, just like that lucky Lindbergh who had the chance to attempt the Atlantic crossing and succeed – which is quite simply marvellous, but achievable with even a modicum of determination.
Anyway, I’m always boring you with my talk about aviation, but what can I say? I can only say one thing: it is my whole life and I give it the very best of myself’….
Correspondence No. 115.
Enclosed are two postcards, 1927–1928, addressed to the Gillet family, with addresses and postmarks (the second bearing a stamp). – Saint-Louis, Senegal, 15 October 1927: ‘We’ve arrived safely. I send you my warmest affectionate kisses whilst I look forward to seeing you again, Mermoz”. – “Corumba, 19 August 1928. F. Bolivia. Lots of love from your Jean Mermoz”.
Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936);
- Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955);
- 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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