A PDF ebook of this illustrated book is available for ordering and download here
GEORGES
GUYNEMER
KNIGHT OF THE AIR
TRANSLATED FROM THE
FRENCH
By LOUISE MORGAN SILL
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Published1918
(Complete with additional biographical
detail and photos not in the original book)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Prologue
CANTO I: CHILDHOOD
- The Guynemers
- Home and College
- The Departure
CANTO II: LAUNCHED INTO SPACE
- The First Victory
- From the Aisne to Verdun
- "La Terre a vu jadis errer des Paladins"
- On the Somme (June, 1916, to February, 1917)
CANTO III: AT THE ZENITH
- On the 25th of May, 1917
- A Visit to Guynemer
- Guynemer in Camp
- Guynemer at Home
- The Magic Machine
CANTO IV: THE ASCENSION
- The Battle of Flanders
- Omens
- The Last Flight
- The Vigil
- The Legend
- In the Panthéon
Envoi
Appendix: Genealogy of
Georges Guynemer
This book details the short life and dazzling
career of Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer, revered by the people of
France as the veteran of over 600 air combats. Twice wounded and awarded 26
citations, the recipient of the highest honours for gallantry France could
bestow, his official victory total is 53 but it has been suggested that the
true figure is nearer 100.
His monument stands proudly in the city of his birth, outside 26 Boulevard
Victor HQ Armee de l'Air, and in the crypt of the Pantheon of Paris an
inscribed marble plaque bearing the name of Georges Guynemer and the
insignia of the Legion d'Honneur reads:
"Fallen in the field of honour on September 11th 1917 - a legendary hero,
fallen in glory from the sky after three years of fierce struggle. He will
remain the purest symbol of the qualities of his race, indomitable tenacity,
ferocious energy, sublime courage; animated by the most resolute faith in
victory he bequeaths to the French soldier an imperishable memory which will
exalt the spirit of sacrifice"
A PDF ebook of this illustrated book is available for ordering and download here
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