Pierre Gustave Gaudermen | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Piégo |
| Born | (1882-10-20)20 October 1882 Paris, France |
| Died | 20 December 1948(1948-12-20) (aged 66) Paris, France |
| Allegiance | France |
| Branch | French Army |
| Rank | Sous-lieutenant |
| Unit | 101e régiment d'infanterie Escadrille MF 55 Escadrille N 68 Escadrille V 110 Escadrille V 114 |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Légion d'honneur Médaille militaire Croix de guerre |
| Other work | Rugby Union player and administrator Racing driver Olympic sailor |
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Sous-LieutenantPierre Gustave Gaudermen (20 October 1882 – 20 December 1948) was a French World War Iflying ace credited withfive aerial victories.[1]
Pierre Gaudermen was born in Paris. In 1904 he enlisted in the101e régiment d'infanterie [fr].[2]
On 5 March 1915, Gaudermen was posted toEscadrille MF 55 as an observer, but on 10 August 1915 was sent to the military flying school atPau to train as a pilot. He was awarded his military pilot's certificate on 10 November, and on 20 January 1916 was promoted to corporal and appointed a flying instructor atBuc, and later atAvord. On 20 September 1916, he was posted toEscadrille N 68 and was promoted to sergeant on 21 November. Detached for a while toEscadrille V 110, he was then seconded toEscadrille V 114 from 1 January to 1 April 1917, before returning toN 68. He was promoted toadjudant on 25 June.[2]
He gained his first victory on 4 September 1917, he andAdjudant Gaudry shot down an enemy two-seater north of Bois-le-Prêtre. He had to wait until 5 February 1918 until he scored again, when he claimed twoAlbatros D fighters shot down overThiaucourt, but was credited with only one, again shared with Gaudry.[1] He was subsequently awarded theMédaille militaire on 29 April 1918.[2] On 31 May he was commissioned as asous-lieutenant.[2] On 17 June he and Lieutenant R. Sinclaire shot down an enemy aircraft, and the two men accounted for another on 26 September, west ofVille-sur-Tourbe. His fifth and final victory came on 18 October when he shot down an enemyscout north-east ofGrandpré.[1]
After the armistice he was made aChevalier of theLégion d'honneur and also received theCroix de guerre with five Palms.[2]
Before the war Gaudermen playedrugby, appearing for the clubStade Français when they becamechampions in1903 and finalists in1904, and later forRacing Club de France.[2] He wascapped once forFrance in a game againstEngland atParc des Princes, Paris, on 22 March 1906.[3][4] Gaudermen also took part in the1907 French Grand Prix asriding mechanic toAlbert Clément. On 17 May, during a practice lap, their car overshot a bend and hit a pile of sand nearSaint-Martin-en-Campagne. Gaudermen was thrown clear, suffering only minor injuries, but Clément stayed with the car as it rolled several times, and broke his neck killing him instantly.[5]
After the war, Gaudermen worked for theFrench Rugby Federation, and also returned to motor racing,[2] coming third in the 1922Automobile Club de France'sTouring Car Grand Prix atStrasbourg.[6] At the age of 53, he represented France in the1936 Summer Olympics, serving as a crewman in the8 metre sailing event.[7][8]
Gaudermen died on 20 December 1948 in Paris.
The French Rugby Federation created theChallenge Pierre Gaudermen, an annual competition for Rugby players under the age of 17, in his honour.[9]
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