Gustave Douchy
Encyclopedia
Capitaine Gustav Douchy was a French military officer who served in both World Wars. He was a flying ace
in World War I, credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.
. On 15 July, he received his Military Pilot's Brevet. On 28 August 1915, he was promoted to Caporal
. On 24 October 1915, he was assigned to Escadrille 38. On 12 November 1915, he received Pilot's Brevet No. 2514. He was promoted to Sergent on 21 February 1916.
Douchy scored his first German two-seater reconnaissance plane on 25 July 1916, followed by an Albatros
on 23 August. The two victories were instrumental in winning him the Medaille Militaire, which was awarded 24 September. On 21 November 1916, he was promoted yet again, to Adjutant
.
Douchy resumed scoring on 22 January 1917, downing an Albatros two-seater near Navarin. He accumulated wins one at a time until he tallied his eighth victory on 4 September. He was awarded the Legion d'honneur on 19 October 1917.
On 6 March 1918, Douchy scored his last confirmed victory. Twenty days later, he was then withdrawn from combat and assigned test pilot duty.
.
He was promoted to Capitaine during World War II, on 1 February 1942. He died as the result of an accident while he was in Madagascar, on 29 July 1943.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
in World War I, credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.
World War I
Gustav Douchy was conscripted on 27 November 1913. He was assigned to aviation, and passed through a couple of different units before being stationed at Nancy as an airplane mechanic on 29 January 1914. On 11 May 1915, he began pilot's training at AvordAvord
Avord is a commune in the Cher department in the Centre region of France.-Geography:A farming area comprising the village and several hamlets situated by the banks of the river Yèvre, some east of Bourges at the junction of the D976 with the D36 and the D71 roads...
. On 15 July, he received his Military Pilot's Brevet. On 28 August 1915, he was promoted to Caporal
Caporal
Caporal may refer to:*Caporal, a type of strong dark tobacco*Caporales, a Bolivian dance*Caporal in French, equivalent to Corporal...
. On 24 October 1915, he was assigned to Escadrille 38. On 12 November 1915, he received Pilot's Brevet No. 2514. He was promoted to Sergent on 21 February 1916.
Douchy scored his first German two-seater reconnaissance plane on 25 July 1916, followed by an Albatros
Albatros Flugzeugwerke
Albatros-Flugzeugwerke was a German aircraft manufacturer best known for supplying the German airforces during World War I.The company was based in Johannisthal, Berlin, where it was founded by Walter Huth and Otto Wiener on December 20, 1909. It produced some of the most capable fighter aircraft...
on 23 August. The two victories were instrumental in winning him the Medaille Militaire, which was awarded 24 September. On 21 November 1916, he was promoted yet again, to Adjutant
Adjutant
Adjutant is a military rank or appointment. In some armies, including most English-speaking ones, it is an officer who assists a more senior officer, while in other armies, especially Francophone ones, it is an NCO , normally corresponding roughly to a Staff Sergeant or Warrant Officer.An Adjutant...
.
Douchy resumed scoring on 22 January 1917, downing an Albatros two-seater near Navarin. He accumulated wins one at a time until he tallied his eighth victory on 4 September. He was awarded the Legion d'honneur on 19 October 1917.
On 6 March 1918, Douchy scored his last confirmed victory. Twenty days later, he was then withdrawn from combat and assigned test pilot duty.
Post World War I
On 23 August 1925, Douchy was elevated to Officer in the Legion d'honneur; eventually, he would rise to CommandeurCommandeur
Commandeur is a title in French and Dutch , usually rendered in English as Commander, with different uses. The literal meaning is he who commands, parallel to Commandant. In most senses the German equivalent is Kommandeur....
.
He was promoted to Capitaine during World War II, on 1 February 1942. He died as the result of an accident while he was in Madagascar, on 29 July 1943.
Reference
- Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914-1918 Norman L. R. Franks, Frank W. Bailey. Grub Street, 1992. ISBN 0-948817-54-2, 9780948817540.