CHALSANNES (Charles de) - Lot 22

CHALSANNES (Charles de) L.A.S. "Ch. de Chalsannes", S.l., April 6, 1917. 1 p. 1/4 in-8. Beautiful autograph letter signed by observant second lieutenant Charles de Chalsannes, written in the heart of World War I, addressed to a journalist or columnist of the magazine La Guerre Aérienne about the V.B. 101 squadron. On behalf of the "fellow pilots and observers of the V.B. 101", the officer warmly thanks his correspondent for the glowing article devoted to their unit: "Allow me [...] to express our thanks for the glowing article you published in Guerre Aérienne about our squadron. Chalsannes underlines the accuracy and precision of the portrait painted of the squadron, and pays special tribute to Captain Laurens, presented as a pioneer of night bombing: "The creator, as you put it, of night flying, it is regrettable that his experience and skills cannot be applied to larger formations than ours. It would be to the Army's advantage...". The letter also refers to the "night bombing groups" set up after the first V.B. 101 formations, and to Lieutenant Partridge, wounded in action, whose health the author is delighted to learn has improved: "I have the extreme satisfaction of informing you that our friend is better, and that from now on his condition no longer inspires any concern..." A very interesting account of the beginnings of French military aviation and the organization of night bombing during the Great War. A document imbued with esprit de corps and aeronautical camaraderie.