SPAD XIIIC-1 - SPA3 ESCADRILLE, 2 (S504), GEORGES GUYNEMER, 1917
THE AVIATION ARCHIVE
Available: DEC 2007
Aviation Archive represents a myriad of detailed die-cast models designed for the true enthusiast, depicting both military models from famous battles and sky warfare over the last 100 years, and civil aircraft, which have frequented the flight paths of countries worldwide. All models are beautifully re-created to give unprecedented levels of accuracy and authenticity.
Scale: 1:48
Wingspan: 6.75 inches
Length: 5.25 inches
Item Number: AA37902 Price: $39.95
Historical Note: French ace of aces, Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer, was revered by the people of France as the veteran of over 600 air combats. Twice wounded and awarded 26 citations, the recipient of the highest honors for galantry France could bestow, his official victory total is 53, but it has been suggested that the true figure is closer to 100. A list of his victories reveals a pattern of intense activity interspersed with gaps of sometimes several weeks. Some are accounted for by the periods of inactivity that often happen in war, but constantly on the brink of nervous collapse, others mark Guynemer's absences for treatment of more than merely physical wounds. Given the consideration of a later more enlightened age, Georges Guynemer might have been relieved from combat in March 1916 to live out the balance of his life a much decorated but obscure French airman, with eight victories and a proud record in the service of his country.