Georges Guynemer
Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer | |
|---|---|
 Georges Guynemer | |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service/ | French Air Service |
| Years of service | 1914-1917 |
| Rank | Capitaine |
| Unit | Escadrille N.3, MS 3, Spa3 |
| Awards | Légion d'Honneur, Croix de Guerre, Médaille Militaire |
Georges Guynemer (December 24, 1894 - September 11, 1917) was a very successful French aviator during World War I and a national hero to France as a result.
Early life and military career
Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer was born into a wealthy Compiègne family and experienced an often sickly childhood. Nevertheless, he succeeded in aviation through his enormous drive and self-confidence. He was originally rejected for military service but was accepted for mechanic training in late 1914. With characteristic determination he gained acceptance to pilot training, joining Escadrille MS.3 in June 1915. He flew Morane Saulnier types, experiencing both victory and defeat.
World War I French flying ace
"My most brilliant Stork"
Upon joining the elite Escadrille N.3 in 1916, Guynemer quickly established himself as one of France's premier fighter pilots. He became an ace with his fifth victory in February 1916 and was promoted to lieutenant in March. At year end his score had risen to 25. Capitaine Brocard, Commander of Escadrille N.3 (at that time), described Guynemer as "...my most brilliant Stork." [1] Less than a year later, Guynemer was promoted to captain and commander of the Storks squadron.
Greater than 50 victories in the air
His greatest month was May 1917 when he downed seven German aircraft, and he became the first French ace to attain 50 victories at the end of July. As his score grew, Guynemer was lionized by the French press and became a national hero. The French government encouraged the publicity to boost morale and take the people's minds off the terrible losses in the trenches. Guynemer was mortified by all the attention, but his shyness only whetted the public's appetite to know everything about him.
Missing in action
Guynemer disappeared during a combat mission 11 September 1917. Separated from his wingman, apparently he attacked a German observation plane and was killed in the ensuing combat.
Neither the wreckage of his airplane, his body, nor personal effects were ever found but the Germans claimed that he had been shot down by Lt. Kurt Wissemann of Jasta 3. The French schoolchildren of the time were taught that he had flown so high he couldn't come back down. At the time of his death Guynemer had achieved 53 victories. In all, he had been shot down seven times. It is not clear if he was killed in the crash or if he survived only to be shot in No-Man's-Land on the ground. Some speculate that his aircraft may have been destroyed by artillery shells in battle.
Legacy
Guynemer's death was a profound shock to France, but he remained an icon for the duration of the war. Only aged 22, he continued inspiring the nation with his comment, "Until one has given all, one has given nothing."
See also
External links
- Georges Guynemer's career described at WWIAviation.com
- Detailed description of Georges Guynemer's career at WWIModeler.com
- Georges Guynemer - "Who's Who" at FirstWorldWar.com
- Georges Guynemer - "a beloved French Ace" at Acepilots.com
- Georges Guynemer page at theaerodrome.com