Paul de Montgolfier

Paul-Joseph de Montgolfier was born in Saint-Marcel (Ardèche, France) on 28 April 1913. He flew in the French Air Force, flying Curtiss 75 Hawks with the GC II/5 fighter group when World War II began.

On 6 November 1939, Paul de Montgolfier and 8 other pilots were escorting bombers over the Sarre region when they were jumped by 27 Messerschmitt fighters of JGr 102. The French pilots scored 5 victories (and another 5 probable victories, including one shot down by Montgolfier) for the loss of only two of their own. This fight - known as the "9 against 27" fight was to became legendary and Hannes Gentzen, the CO of JGr 102, was summoned back to Berlin and threatened with court-martial for such disastrous results.

Montgolfier went on top score more victories until the Nazi invasion of France : he was shot down on 15 May 1940 and wounded. He was credited with 5 aerial victories. After recovering, he went back to active service and was killed in action fighting the Allied landing at Casablanca on 8 November 1942.

List of aerial victories

1. Me 109; 06 Nov 39 - Probable, shared with Lt Trémolet

2. He 111; 23 Nov 39 - Destroyed, shared with Sgt Audrain, Sgt Bouhy and 3 RAF pilots. Over Boulay.

3. Do 17; 02 Mar 40 - Probable, shared with A/C Gras, S/C Janebas

4. Me 109; 10 May 40 - Destroyed over Luxemburg.

5. ??

Awards

• Légion d'Honneur
• Médaille Militaire
• Croix de Guerre avec palme