[PDF] Jean Mermoz (1901 - France

Who was Jean Mermoz?

Jean Mermoz (9 December 1901 – 7 December 1936) was a French aviator, viewed as a hero by other pilots such as Saint-Exupéry, and in his native France, where many schools bear his name. In Brazil, he also is recognized as a pioneer aviator.

Where did Mermoz come from?

() Born in Aubenton, France. Mermoz was very well-known in South America, where he had various things - including an appetizer - named after him. He was, however, no more than an average pilot.

When did Charles Mermoz join the French Air Force?

Mermoz joined the French Air Force in 1922, being assigned, as a pilot of the air force's 11th regiment, to duty in Syria. In 1924, he returned to France, having arguably been one of the most successful pilots in the Syrian operations. Mermoz relocated to Toulouse .

What happened Mermoz in 1926?

In 1926, Mermoz was assigned to ferry the mail on the Casablanca to Dakar route. On one occasion he had engine trouble over the Mauritanian desert and had to make an emergency landing. He was captured by nomadic Moors and held prisoner until a ransom was paid, a common practice and one of the many hazards of the job.