Early French aviator and a fighter pilot (1888-1918) during World War I. ALS in French, signed “R. Garros,”. 7, Rue Lalo [Paris]. 2 1/2 pp.8vo. Printed mongram and adress. On two adjoining sheets, 6 x 7.75.
$ 5,085 / 4.500 €
(93081)
To an unnamed recipient, addressed „Monsieur“ about creatins a model aviation school and a Society to defend the national heritage: „J’ai été très touché de la grande bienveillance avec laquelle vous avez accueilli mon idée de créer une école modèle d'aviation et une Société, destinée à défendre comme un patrimoine national, et à argumenter par tous les moyens, l’avance de notre pays sur les autres, dans la conquête de l’air. Je désirerais vous soumettre l'ébauche d’un plan et vous serais reconnaissant de vouloir bien me fixer un rendez-vous à partir du 4 novembre.
J’ai la conviction que votre précieux appui me permettra de faire œuvre utile en réalisant une vieille idée qui m’est chère, et je ne sais comment vous remercier de me l’avoir promis.[…]“ translation: "I was deeply touched by the great kindness with which you welcomed my idea of creating a model aviation school and a Society, destined to defend, as a national heritage, and to advocate through all means, our country's advancement over others in the conquest of the air. I would like to submit to you the draft of a plan and would be grateful if you could kindly schedule a meeting with me starting from November 4th. I am convinced that your valuable support will enable me to accomplish a meaningful endeavor by realizing an old idea that is dear to me, and I don't know how to thank you enough for promising it to me." A tennis center was named after him in the 1920s, the Stade de Roland Garros, the stadium that accommodates the French Open tournament, which is officially called Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros (the 'French Internationals of Roland Garros'). A rare missive from the legendary ace who was shot down and killed near Vouziers, Ardennes..