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218
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DAURAT Didier (1891–1969)
See original version (French)
218
-
DAURAT Didier (1891–1969)
See original version (French)
Estimate €700 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
DAURAT Didier (1891–1969)
L.A.S., Toulouse, 16 June 1930, to Jean MERMOZ; 2 pages in-4 (marginal tear at the bottom of the second leaf).
[After breaking the record for crossing the South Atlantic, Mermoz faced a series of difficulties in getting his seaplane airborne again from Natal, which he was only able to do on 8 July… only to then crash into the ocean.]
‘I reiterate my admiration for you and shall not dwell on expressing my feelings towards you, for I wish to keep them perfectly intact in my heart. It is such a comfort, such a source of patience, to know that, in all truth, there are true men. Ah! If only you knew what a reward you gave me on 13 and 14 May. Few men, I suspect, have experienced such satisfaction in their lives. Rest assured of my gratitude and my affectionate regard. I am eager to see you for many reasons. I am aware of the terrible blow my telegram must have dealt you regarding your departure on 16 June. Alas! We were forced to stop you so as not to jeopardise the future of the St Louis–Natal route, and here is why: During my absence, some curious incidents were observed concerning the fastenings on the fuselage frames of the seaplanes undergoing trials at Marignane and on the floats; these incidents received such publicity in Marseille that the technical department decided on reinforcements, which, until now, I had hoped to exempt the illustrious 919 from. Yesterday, a peremptory, formal letter arrived which dashed that hope. Given our current situation, we cannot disregard this order. Furthermore, given the campaign being waged in certain sections of the press regarding the merits of the Zeppelin and the fragility of seaplanes, it is clear that your return by ship would be a disaster, as it would be interpreted as an admission that operation by seaplane is impossible. I know better than anyone the sacrifice that your stranding in Natal represents for you and for us, and I promise to ensure that you make up for this lost time. I am also confident that the observations you will make in Natal and the surrounding area during this enforced stay will be extremely valuable’…
Source: - 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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