120 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S., Casablanca, June 3, 1927, to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-4 (slight water stain). 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 intense heat. Over Dakar, there are sirocco winds so hot that we take off our helmets and flight suits while in the air; the sand forms a yellow haze that sometimes rises as high as 2,000 meters. 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 known as the worst—the Maures. Fortunately, I was able to land nearby on a strip of passable terrain; he barely had time to jump into my plane, and after taking two rifle shots, we took off once again right under the noses of the Maures, who were closing in at full speed and were no more than thirty meters away from us. I’m starting to get the hang of this, since this is the second comrade I’ve rescued under the same circumstances while waiting for my turn. —It’s only natural, really, and we don’t worry about it while we wait to do it all over again. I’m still the happiest man alive, though I feel I’m not active enough. If America doesn’t open up, I think I’ll take up seaplane flying and make the Marseille-Algiers run to round out my pilot training. I love the sea and the vast horizons, and besides, it will open up new opportunities for me. Colonel Denain is going to introduce me 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 simply marvelous but achievable with even a modicum of determination. Anyway, I’m always boring you with my ramblings about aviation, but what can I say? I can only say one thing: it is my whole life, and I give it my very best.”…. Correspondence No. 115. Enclosed are 2 postcards, 1927–1928, addressed to the Gillets, with addresses and postmarks (the second with a stamp). – Saint-Louis, Senegal, October 15, 1927: “We’ve arrived safely. Sending you my warmest affection as I look forward to seeing you again, Mermoz.” – “Corumba, August 19, 1928. F. Bolivia. Lots of love from your Jean Mermoz.” Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family