Georges Guynemer: His SPAD, his Camera, his Life.

[LegendaryLoewenhardt]

I recently found some VERY interesting shots taken by Guynemer from his gun camera during his career in the French flying corps. These images may help the younger generation understand what it was like to live in a war while fighting in the air.


Guynemer claims an Albatros for a victory. Note that the photo was taken from 15 meters.


Guynemer's 31st victory: a Gotha G.III bomber.


Guynemer poses with two enemy Spandau machine guns taken from a downed Albatros.


Guynemer's SPAD VII in flight.


Guynemer preforms his last repair. This was taken September 10, 1917, exactly 1 day before he went MIA. Note that this is also the last picture taken of him entirely.

[Sreiko]

Interesting Where did you find it?

[LegendaryLoewenhardt]

I find almost all my pics, including these, at EarlyAviator.Com.

[Der Grüne Flieger]

LegendaryLoewenhardt,

Question about the first photo posted in your thread. You said it was taken from Guynemer's gun camera? Did he stop flying and shoot a picture in a regular field camera?

The first photo looks like something that would come from a "gun camera", ie something mounted in the plane and activated by the pilot firing his mg. I didn't know if such a thing had been invented yet, that is why I ask.

Can you enlighten?

Phil

[LegendaryLoewenhardt]

Certainly.

Guynemer chose to take photos of his ordeal in the air. He had a special camera made to fit on the side of the right machine gun (on the fuselage). A turning mechanism was made so he could move the camera and take photographs. Worked quite well, actually. In the case of the first photo, he simply moved the camera along the side so he could shoot the photo. The photo was taken from an angle that came close to catching part of the rear of his right machine gun.

This photo can elaborate a little more:

[Taz]

Phil- All these photos and many more can be found in GUYNEMER, LES AVIONS D' UN AS by Bernard Klaeyle and Philippe Osche. ISBN 2-9509485-6-1. In French, which I do not speak, but frankly it makes no difference the photos are so great. Plus the photo captions are English and French. Usually available from British and French on-line bookstores.

GUYNEMER, LES AVIONS D'UN AS --- Helion & Company Limited

Taz
Terry Phillips

[tcrean7828]

Nice pics mate,

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[WarrenD]

Taz,
Thanks for posting the link to that book. I have been looking for it for a long time, but did not have the complete title. However, at 37+ euros, it is a bit out of my league for now. Maybe I can pick one up used somewhere on this side of the pond!

Warren