255 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Jean,” Marseille, April 3 [1933], to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-8 format, on Regina Hotel letterhead. Training on the L’Arc-en-Ciel seaplane. He is concerned about their health… He “flew the three South American routes from Toulouse to Casablanca in March… I’ve been in Marseille for eight days. I’ve been training on a heavy-lift seaplane. I earned my transport seaplane pilot’s license, then went to pick up my speedster [L’Arc-en-ciel] in Perpignan, which has finally passed its official tests. For the past three days, I’ve been conducting numerous full-load and fuel-consumption tests; then, on the 6th or 7th, I’ll attempt to break the world distance records for seaplanes, extending the range from 2,900 to 4,000 and a few hundred kilometers. If possible, on the closed circuit from Marseille to Toulon and back to Marseille via Aigues-Mortes. The ministry requires us to complete 4,000 km nonstop before undertaking any long-distance voyage: this will also serve as a record attempt. By then, my engine will have been replaced, and I’ll be fully prepared to tackle the South Atlantic on April 15—I hope… under a full moon… “I love the seaplane immensely, and I fly it as if I’d done nothing else my whole life, much to the amazement of the official and specialized sailors.” He’ll try to see his grandparents before he leaves. “Mom must have told you that I’ll be receiving the Aero Club’s Grand Gold Medal this year—or rather, in the next few days… I also received a gold medal from Buenos Aires from a major cigarette brand that, apparently, is to be named after me. I received about forty thousand votes in the contest… so many admirers… and perhaps some female admirers… from Argentina”… Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down within the family