By courtesy of the Century Co. From the drawing by Madame J.C. Breslau.
GEORGES GUYNEMER
NOTE—The following article is based on Guynemer’s own records and the account of his exploits published by his close friend and authorized reporter, Jacques Mortane.
GUYNEMER WHEN SIX YEARS OLD
When the history of the World War is finally written, one of the names conspicuous in its pages will be that of Georges (jorje) Guynemer (gee-ne-mare). The name of Guynemer has become synonymous with brave deeds and symbolical of the great spiritual glory that belongs to France. Guynemer has been called “The Ace of Aces” and “The Wingèd Sword of France”; but these names express only in part the characteristics of a world-famous hero whose life, as Clemenceau (klem’-ahng-so) so aptly terms it, “even though short, was a sufficiently beautiful adventure.” Guynemer’s part in the World War is over. His own active chapter is done, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of every allied airman.
Guynemer, born in December, 1894, was the son of a retired officer. As a boy he was agile and ambitious in sports, though of slender build and somewhat delicate. He was especially fond of mechanical toys and miniature airplanes, and even in the early school days, when flying was looked upon more as a sport than an actual military factor, Georges declared to his father his ambition to become an aviator.
GUYNEMER AT TEN YEARS OF AGE