René Doumer
Capitaine René Doumer (October 31, 1887 – April 26, 1917) was a French World War I flying ace credited with seven confirmed aerial victories[1] and four unconfirmed combat claims.[2]
René Doumer | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 31, 1887 Laon, France |
| Died | April 26, 1917 (aged 29) North of Brimont, France |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service/ | Aviation |
| Years of service | 1908 - 1917 |
| Rank | Capitaine |
| Unit | Escadrille 64 |
| Commands held | Escadrille 76 |
| Awards | Legion d'Honneur Croix de Guerre |
| Relations | Paul Doumer Blanche Richel Doumer |
Biography
Born on October 31, 1887, René Doumer was one of the eight children of Paul Doumer (President of France 1931–1932) and Blanche Doumer (née Richel). He was a professional lieutenant when World War I began, having been a chasseur since 1908. He was seriously wounded on 17 September 1914 in circumstances that won him the Legion d'Honneur. After recovery, he transferred to aviation. His first assignment was to fly a Caudron for Escadrille 64.[3] He scored his first two victories with this unit, on 19 and 30 March 1916. He transferred to a Nieuport fighter unit next, Escadrille 76. He would rack up five more wins between 23 October 1916 and 28 March 1917. He would also succeed to command of Escadrille 76. He was killed by Erich Hahn on 26 April 1917.[1]
List of aerial victories[1]
See also Aerial victory standards of World War I
| No. | Date/time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 March 1916 | Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers |
| 2 | 30 March 1916 | Sainte-Marie-à-Py |
| 3 | 23 October 1916 | Azannes |
| 4 | 23 October 1916 | Romagne |
| 5 | 23 January 1917 | Craonne |
| 6 | 17 March 1917 | Corbeny |
| 7 | 28 March 1917 | Berméricourt |
Sources of information
- The Aerodrome website René Doumer Retrieved on 22 June 2014.
- Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918, p. 153
- Nieuport Aces of World War 1. p. 60.
References
- Nieuport Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-85532-961-1, ISBN 978-1-85532-961-4.
- Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank (1993). Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918 London, UK: Grub Street Publishing. ISBN 978-0-948817-54-0.