CONDEMINE (Théophile). - Lot 204

CONDEMINE (Théophile). [AVIATION]. CONDEMINE (Théophile). 1895-1975. French aviation ace of the First World War, specialist in attacks on enemy observation balloons, credited with 9 confirmed victories. Important L.A.S. to Jacques Mortane, writer and aviation columnist. Angoulême, January 7, 1920. 2 pp. in-4 on Manufacture Charentaise de Faïence & Poterie Chapon-Taffet letterhead. Very interesting letter from a former war pilot to the famous aviation journalist Jacques Mortane. Condemine thanks his correspondent for the articles published in Le Petit Journal and talks about his time with Escadrille 154: "I belonged for some time [...] to escadrille 154, that of this brave Coiffard who died by my side on October 28, 1918." The pilot is referring directly to Michel Coiffard, one of the great French aces of aerial warfare, famous for his victories against the German Drachen. He adds: "My family is always begging me to write to you, asking you to kindly have my photo published in La Vie aérienne..." A fine letter, combining tribute to the fallen, war memories and the quest for public recognition in the early post-war years. The commercial letterhead, used during his leave in Angoulême, reinforces the document's lively, personal character. A moving document on the world of French aviation aces and the aeronautical press networks of the immediate post-war period. Minor old wear and marginal reinforcement, without affecting the text. Good overall condition.