ID this French aviator

[zoomer]

Who is this French flier, pictured 2d from right, at March Field in 1932? And what was the occasion that brought him and other dignitaries of the air before the camera that day?

Presumably a decorated WW1 veteran, looking to be age 35-40, he wears the hunting horn beret pin that was the DUI of Escadrille 68, deactivated in 1919. Perhaps he was in California for the Xth Olympic Games held that summer, which included aerial exercises, or was consulting for a film production.

Others in the photo l-r: Lt. Col. Hap Arnold, March Field CO, probably wearing one of the 25 Goldsmith service test A-2s; Lt. Cmdr. Charles Rosendahl, captain of airship USS Akron, who was reassigned to surface ships in July, 1932; actress Mary Pickford, who is wearing the honorary wings Arnold presented her in a 1919 ceremony; and Thomas Hamilton, founder of Hamilton-Standard propeller company.

 

[Falcon_52]

I'm no help on the identity of the Frenchman; however, I noticed an interesting detail on Hap Arnold's jacket. I have been following the thread regarding the button-pocket A-2s and the possible P. Goldsmith jacket. Looking carefully at his right pocket, it appears to have a pencil slot sewn in like an A-1 jacket! It's difficult to tell if the pocket has the double stitching around the perimeter and of course Hap Arnold's right jacket pocket is blocked in the photo in the other thread (http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/buttoned-pocket-flaps-a-2-jackets.20145/page-3) so it's impossible to confirm. The pocket flap looks similar enough. Could the pencil slot be another unique feature of the P. Goldsmith jacket?

Noel

 

[Pilot]

The french officer is no aviator, but a mountain trooper ( the horn on the cap and collar tips).
He has some ignigna on the chest which may be a WW1 pilot wing ( one sidede wing only), but difficult to “de sphincter”..
French aviators of this period wore other uniforms.

 

[jack31916]

Sorry to say but the unknown guy isn't probably a Frenchman. For some reason the French military wear the beret just the other way round i.e. insignia over the right eye and flap over the left ear. This guy wears it in a more usual way and could be a Belgian soldier (Ardeense jager ?). As Pilot said he's not wearing an aviator uniform.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

I've contacted The Mary Pickford Foundation, they might be able to shed some light on the pic.

 

[Cocker]

Jack is right, between the side the beret is worn, as well as the uniform, it must be Belgian or Dutch.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

................or an actor in costume?

 

[Pilot]

Sorry to say but the unknown guy isn't probably a Frenchman. For some reason the French military wear the beret just the other way round i.e. insignia over the right eye and flap over the left ear. This guy wears it in a more usual way and could be a Belgian soldier (Ardeense jager ?). As Pilot said he's not wearing an aviator uniform.

Yup agree...apologies for my misinterpretation.

 

[Pilot]

Jack is right, between the side the beret is worn, as well as the uniform, it must be Belgian or Dutch.

Agree after a second thought.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

I got this from a fan site, not the MP Foundation, hopefully they'll reply soon

"sorry. I don't have any info on this. I would put the pic around 1933-1936, based on her haircut and outfit. I think I even recognize the dress, but can't find any other pics with her in it."

 

[Pilot]

I got this from a fan site, not the MP Foundation, hopefully they'll reply soon

"sorry. I don't have any info on this. I would put the pic around 1933-1936, based on her haircut and outfit. I think I even recognize the dress, but can't find any other pics with her in it."

Thanks for your efforts Ken

 

[Pilot]

Guess I found at least that its an officer from “ Les Chasseurs Ardennais” hence a Belgium officer. Cocker and Jack are right.
If you google “WW2 Chasseurs Ardennais” you will find several photos with soldiers wearing similar uniforms and caps.

 

[Cocker]

I'm not sure at all, Pilot, because the guy is wearing a horn on his beret, and it's not at all the insignia of the Chasseurs Ardennais. The official insignia is a boar:

Here's one dated between WW1 and WW2:

 

[Pilot]

I'm not sure at all, Pilot, because the guy is wearing a horn on his beret, and it's not at all the insignia of the Chasseurs Ardennais. The official insignia is a boar:

Here's one dated between WW1 and WW2:

Again right...
I quit...
Thx for your patience...

 

[Cocker]

I’m searching too. The guy could also be british, as we used british uniforms since the beginning of the 30s, IIRC.


Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[johnwayne]

I’d lay my money on it not being British, far too flamboyant for our stiff upper lip military at the time! Never ever seen a beret like that in British use either and looks distinctly Flemish. Love his high waisted belt, halfway up his chest almost!!

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

I've had a reply from The Foundation, they are looking into it..................