Captain. Gallieni had been able to appreciate Mortenol's dedication when they served together in Madagascar. In 1914, Captain Mortenol was 55 when he was chosen by General Dubail, second successor to General Gallieni, military governor of Paris (after Maunoury who could only keep his post for a short time), to assist him. in defense of the French capital. Mortenol took up his post with the GMP on July 10, 1915. Mortenol was therefore, in 1915, director of the maritime aviation service of the entrenched camp in Paris. He is responsible for defending Paris against attacks by enemy aircraft. With the help of a proven intelligence service and huge night searchlights, in particular that of Mont Valérien which dominates the capital, it foils the air attacks