Nungesser

[bill1]

Has anyone ever written a biography of Nungesser, or are there any in the works? Thanks.

[Bulldog90]

There are a couple of Nungesser bographies, but as far as I know none in English. I occaisionally see them listed on E bay, or the Amazon France web sites. He had an interesting life, both before and after the war.

I've recently read after Guynemer's death there was some reluctance to promote Nungesser as France's leading 'as' because of his previous wild behavior and the fact that he was injured so often, even though he was the next highest scoring ace. He does seem to be one of the few French aviators who were granted a sort of roving commission allowing him to fly when and where he wanted. I believe Nungesser is also one of the few who flew combat missions in 1915, 16, 17 and 18. All in all its remarkable he survived the war.

Bulldog90

[bill1]

Thanks. A translation into English of one of these books would be a valuable addition to WWI aviation history. His story has got to be more fascinating than 90% of the other aces, whatever their nationality. Amazing individual.

[Bulldog90]

Roger that. Can you imagine heading off to South America as a teenager and hoping to locate an uncle in an era before cell phone or e mail? Nungesser also came to Hollywood after the war and did at least some promotional work and /or flying. He was pretty incredible.

Bulldog90

[jastaflieger]

not much on french aces in the english language, Mason's HIGH FLEW THE FALCONS probably as good as any. The early french aces were all characters, you can find a little about almost all of them and a fair amount on Jean Navarre in the new book JEAN NAVARRE: FRANCE"S SENTINEL OF VERDUN AND THE FIRST FRENCH FIGHTER PILOTS at aeronautbooks.com.
jim

[Mystère]

Originally Posted by Bulldog90

I believe Nungesser is also one of the few who flew combat missions in 1915, 16, 17 and 18. All in all its remarkable he survived the war.

Bulldog90

Many a Belgian pilot flew in (1914), 1915, 1916, 1917 & 1918 & most of these survived (e.g. the aces Fernand Jacquet (1914 to 1918) & Jan Olieslagers (1914 to 1918), but also the lesser known Max Orban (1915 to 1918), Paul Hiernaux (1914 to 1918) or Jacques Goethals ( 1915 until KIA Oct 9th, 1918).

Anyway, Nungesser was a very colourful person

Mystère

[Froggy]

Bonjour à tous

I never see a written biography about Nungesser in English
May be Jim you should make the same great job you did about Navarre

Cordialement
Bruno

[jastaflieger]

sounds intriguing! But of course would need the excellent support from you once again my friend Bruno!!
jim

[joegertler]

Bill Nungesser, a cousin of Charles, lives on Long Island. He used to visit our place, as he lived in the same town of Rivehead, at the time. He used to sit in my office, reading all the old WWI aviation magazines and looking at photos, and started collecting Nungesser material for himself, about 30 years ago, now. His cousin in France is also a French Govt official, and cleared the way for Bill to have access to a massive amount of material never before accessable to researchers and historians. (If you are familiar with the French 100 year privacy regulations, which seal many of the personal and govt. documents) I've seen a lot of it. he has now made several trips to Musee de L'Air and other private people whose families and records connect with Charles Nungesser, in France, and been through the files and archives. He came back with hundreds of never-before-seen photos and copies of historic Nungesser documents. He has always WANTED to write a definitive book on Charles, but fears he can only succeed with the help of a professional writer or mentor to partner with him. He would be most eager to cooperate with anyone having such experience. This needs to be done before we all get too old..
*But it Really needs to be a full length book. An article would not begin to do justice to the history Bill now has in his files and albums, (and in his head, as he has really done a great job of piecing together all the parts)

[bill1]

Joe Gertler:

What an opportunity for someone! Surely there must be a writer and/or expert here to take on this project before the material is "lost" again. I'd give it a try if I was adept in French, but I think that should be a credential of the writer, or least a collaborator. This was a major WWI ace whose life read like a novel. This NEEDS to be preserved.

bill1