Georges Guynemer

[Gregvan]

Remembering the great French ace, who died 107 years ago on 11 September 1917; his portraits, and his exploits, have been portrayed in a wide variety of media, styles and purposes over the years.

[Gregvan]

[Kanzler]

His "hometown" Compiegne honors him with this monument:

...in Germany you will not find such monuments in public space...

Greetings,
Kanzler

[Jos]

The late Dutch artist Serge Stone made this painting of a duel between George Guynemer and Ernst Udet in June 1917. This painting captures a remarkable moment during the fight between the two men. During their fight Udet’s gun jammed. He hammered with his fist on the breeches of the guns, but to no avail. Guynemer saw Udet’s attempts to get the stoppage undone. He could have easily shot down his opponent, but instead - flying on his back – he swept past Udet and waved. Then he dived westwards to the French lines.

A lot of people say that Guynemer’s guns must have jammed too and therefore spared Udet’s life. Ernst Udet’s comment however was: “I do not believe them. I think that even today there is still alive something of the knightly heroism of olden times. And that is why I lay this belated wreath on Guynemer’s unknown grave.”

Regards,

Jos