Bellenger, Georges Marie (X 1898 ; 1878-1977)

Father of French military aviation, supporter of aerial reconnaissance. He was part of the commission responsible for creating a military airplane pilot's patent, he was patented on February 8, 1911. In 1912 he organized the first military aviation center in Avord, and formed squadron No. 3, the future squadron of Storks. In August 1914 he commanded the aviation of the Sixth Army (General Maunoury), and by his reconnaissance contributed to the victory of the Marne by observing the movements of the 1st German army of Von Klucke. But he encountered hostility from the military for aviation. Transferred to the rear, he returned to artillery, his original weapon. Engaged in Resistance during the Second World War under the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Benoît