Fernand Guyou
Encyclopedia
Sous Lieutenant Fernand Eugene Guyou was a World War I flying ace
credited with twelve aerial victories.
in the cavalry reserves when war began. On 3 September 1914, he was assigned the duties of mounted scout for the 46eme Regiment d'Infanterie. On 12 October, he was promoted to Maréchal-des-logis. On 12 April 1915, he was transferred to 8eme Regiment de Chausseurs. On 20 December 1915, he was sent for pilot's training. He earned Military Pilot's Brevet No. 2697, awarded on 17 February 1916.
s). He moved on to Escadrille N15 on 12 August; on 23 September, he was severely wounded in action. Upon his recovery, he reported for reassignment on 20 December 1916. On 17 January 1917, he was sent to Escadrille N463. On 13 August, he was again sent for reposting; this time, he went to Escadrille N93 on the 25th. Here he found momentary success, cooperating with Gustave Daladier
in shooting down a German two-seater reconnaissance plane on 30 October 1917. It would be seven more months before his second win, when he helped down an observation balloon on 30 May 1918. He would score twice more while with N93, and leave it when on the brink of acedom. With his new unit, Escadrille Spa37, he would use a Spad
to tally eight more victories between 3 August 1918 and war's end, sharing them with fellow aces Bernard Barny de Romanet
, Roger Poupon
, and Georges Lienhart
By the armistice, Guyou had logged over 431 hours flight time.
. On 6 April, he was awarded the Medaille Militaire to accompany his Croix de Guerre. He received a temporary commission as a sous lieutenant on 1 June 1918. His career as an ace was capped with the receipt of the Legion d'Honneur on 16 October 1918.
. He rejoined the service for World War II, and died in Morocco on 1 September 1944.
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...
credited with twelve aerial victories.
Infantry service
Guyou was serving as an enlisted BrigadierBrigadier
Brigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
in the cavalry reserves when war began. On 3 September 1914, he was assigned the duties of mounted scout for the 46eme Regiment d'Infanterie. On 12 October, he was promoted to Maréchal-des-logis. On 12 April 1915, he was transferred to 8eme Regiment de Chausseurs. On 20 December 1915, he was sent for pilot's training. He earned Military Pilot's Brevet No. 2697, awarded on 17 February 1916.
Flying service
His initial flying assignment on 26 May 1916 was with Escadrille N49 (the 'N' signifying the squadron operated NieuportNieuport
Nieuport, later Nieuport-Delage, was a French aeroplane company that primarily built racing aircraft before World War I and fighter aircraft during World War I and between the wars.-Beginnings:...
s). He moved on to Escadrille N15 on 12 August; on 23 September, he was severely wounded in action. Upon his recovery, he reported for reassignment on 20 December 1916. On 17 January 1917, he was sent to Escadrille N463. On 13 August, he was again sent for reposting; this time, he went to Escadrille N93 on the 25th. Here he found momentary success, cooperating with Gustave Daladier
Gustave Daladier
Capitaine Gustave Victorin Daladier was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.-Early military service:Daladier volunteered for a three year enlistment on 3 December 1907. He began his military career in the 4eme Regiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique as an enlisted soldier. On 5...
in shooting down a German two-seater reconnaissance plane on 30 October 1917. It would be seven more months before his second win, when he helped down an observation balloon on 30 May 1918. He would score twice more while with N93, and leave it when on the brink of acedom. With his new unit, Escadrille Spa37, he would use a Spad
Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés
SPAD was a French aircraft manufacturer between 1911 and 1921. Its SPAD S.XIII biplane was the most popular French fighter airplane in World War I.-Deperdussin:...
to tally eight more victories between 3 August 1918 and war's end, sharing them with fellow aces Bernard Barny de Romanet
Bernard Barny de Romanet
Lieutenant Bernard Henri Barny de Romanet was a World War I flying ace credited with 18 aerial victories.Barny de Romanet joined the French army in October 1913. When World War I began, he went into combat with both cavalry and infantry regiments. He transferred into the French air service in July...
, Roger Poupon
Roger Poupon
Capitaine Roger Poupon was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.-Reference:...
, and Georges Lienhart
Georges Lienhart
Adjutant Georges Frederic Lienhart was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.-References:...
By the armistice, Guyou had logged over 431 hours flight time.
Promotions and awards
On 25 January 1918, Guyou was promoted to AdjutantAdjutant
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...
. On 6 April, he was awarded the Medaille Militaire to accompany his Croix de Guerre. He received a temporary commission as a sous lieutenant on 1 June 1918. His career as an ace was capped with the receipt of the Legion d'Honneur on 16 October 1918.
Post World War I
Guyou flew as an airline pilot; he also flew for PotezPotez
Potez was a French aircraft manufacturer founded as Aéroplanes Henry Potez by Henry Potez at Aubervilliers in 1919. The firm began by refurbishing war-surplus SEA IV aircraft, but was soon building new examples of an improved version, the Potez VII...
. He rejoined the service for World War II, and died in Morocco on 1 September 1944.