Adrien L. J. Leps
Adrien Louis Jacques Leps | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 27, 1893 Légion d'honneur, Croix de Guerre with nine palmes, 1939–1945 Croix de Guerre, British Military Cross |
| Other work | Also served in World War II |
Major Adrien Louis Jacques Leps was a French World War I flying ace credited with twelve confirmed aerial victories, as well as two probables.[1] He served originally in the cavalry, before shifting to flying. In later years, he served under General Armand Pinsard during World War II.[2]
Early life
Adrien Louis Jacques Leps was born on 27 September 1893 in Angers.[2]
Cavalry service
Leps entered the 9e Regiment de Hussards on 9 October 1913 as a "soldate de 2e classe". He was promoted to the rank of enlisted
Aerial service
Leps was initially assigned to Escadrille N67 (the 'N' denoting that the unit used Nieuports). On 15 July 1916, he was forwarded for pilot's training at Amberieu. He received Military Pilot's Brevet No. 4312 on 23 August 1916. He then reported for reassignment on 2 November. On 14 December 1916, he was posted to Escadrille N81.[2]
Adrien Leps scored his first aerial victories on 16 March 1917, downing an
Leps was elevated to command of Escadrille 81 on 24 February 1918, as the squadron re-equipped with
Post World War I
Leps commanded Escadrille 81 until its disbandment on 31 December 1919.[2]
He returned to service for World War II, was assigned as a major to Groupe de Chasse No. 21 under General Armand Pinsard. He was very seriously wounded by a German bombing on 6 June 1940, and took no part in any military action during the remainder of the war. For his service, he earned a promotion to Commandeur of the Légion d'honneur, the 1939–1945 Croix de Guerre, and a final promotion to lieutenant colonel.[2] Following World War II, he pursued his passion for tennis, he became a tennis referee at the Roland-Garros championship.
Endnotes
- ^ a b c d The Aerodrome http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/france/leps.php Retrieved on 17 July 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914-1918. p. 184.
- ^ Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914-1918. p. 184–185.
References
- 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 978-0-948817-54-0.