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three old papers with handwriting on them sitting on top of each other
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MERMOZ Jean 2 letters ‘Mermoz’ and ‘Ton Jean’, Casablanca, 12 and 24 July 1927, to his ‘Beloved Mum’; 1 and 2 pages, in-4. Legion of Honour, and search for an aeroplane for his flight. 12 July. ‘You know I’ve had the cross for two days now; in other words, I’m on cloud nine!! At the same time, I’ve been made a Knight of the Order of the Alaouite Wisham of the Sultan of Morocco. What’s more, I’ve been appointed acting head of the airfield at Agadir until my leave, and I’m taking up my new post tomorrow’... 24 July. He is eager to see his mother again… “Don’t worry yourself in advance, my dear Mum. I haven’t left for New York yet!!! It’s so difficult to get hold of an aeroplane. Colonel Denain is doing his best for me whilst he can. He’s always on the case to get me the authorisation, but persuading the manufacturers to risk their equipment is quite a task. I’m waiting for a reply from Bréguet. Next year, as Denain told me, it’ll be easier to get one. But this year, ever since Nungesser and Coli, confidence has evaporated, even though now is the time, if ever, to press ahead. It’s a shame, all the same, to see such a narrow-minded attitude here after three successful trans-Atlantic crossings!! What a sad hindrance to our drive – bureaucracy and self-interest!!! I’m preparing for my pilot’s licence, which I’ll probably sit in October. It’s tough! So don’t beat yourself up, my dear Mum! And anyway, I feel that if I gave it a go, I’d succeed – and believe me, I’m buzzing at the very thought of it!”… He adds in a postscript: “ I forgot to tell you that I’m the owner of a magnificent green solitaire (tapeworm) which I’m going to send to the other world in two or three days. It’s been bothering me for a few months without my realising it. I reckon I’ll put on five kilos after this ‘expulsion order’.” Enclosed is a letter ‘Jean’, Casa, 2 July (1 page, in-4, in bold pencil), briefly informing ‘Dear Mum ’ that ‘I am well, that nothing is broken, but that I am setting off for Juby as soon as I arrive’. Correspondence, nos. 119, 121 and 118. Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down within the family
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Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
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