Sorry this is in English, but you may wish to translate it-- Marvingt is a historically important person you should have fully covered in your web file. David Lam (David.Lam@skynet.be)
VERY SHORT history of Marie Marvingt:
Born 20 Feb 1875, Aurillac France. She was a world class athlete-- winning numerous prizes in swimming, canoeing, fencing, shooting, ski-jumping, skating, and bobsled—She especially dominated the 1908-1910 seasons at Chamonix France, where she won more than 20 first place awards. Additionally, she was a World-class mountain climber—the first woman to climb most of the peaks of the French and Swiss Alps-- 1903-1910 (including ascents of two major ones in a single day). The French Academy of Sports gave her a medal in March 1910 "for all sports" (the only one they ever gave for more than one sport). 1901-- first balloon flight 19 July 1907-- first balloon flight as pilot 1908-- not being allowed to participate in the tour de France (it was a man's sport, after all), she nevertheless rode the course after the race, and completed it, which only a few more than 30 of the more than 100 male starters had done. September 1909-- first solo flight in balloon September 1909-- first fixed wing flight, with Roger Somers 26 Oct 1909-- First female pilot to fly a balloon across the North Sea and the English Channel from Europe to England 1909-1910-- won several ballooning prizes. 1910-- Studied fixed wing aviation with Hubert Latham, in the Antoinette airplane-- at least one journal credited her with being the first woman to solo a monoplane. June 1910-- got her Balloon pilot's license from the Aero Club of France (#145)—Probably the first French Woman to do so, but I am still trying to document that. 1910-- proposed the development of airplane ambulances to the French Government 8 Nov 1910-- Became the third woman in the world licensed as a pilot (#281)—only one ever licensed in the difficult-to-fly Antoinette. First to be licensed in a monoplane. December 1910—in competing for the Coupe Femina, set the first official woman's flight record for duration and distance. 1911-- Won the Coupe Femina in Turin 1912-- actually ordered an airplane ambulance from the Deperdussin company (It was never delivered, due to failure of the company after the owner embezzled all the money.) 1914-- appeared in a painting by Friant showing her air ambulance 1914-- enlisted in the French Army and served on the front lines as a male infantryman—Later, participated in operations of the 3rd Alpine Regiment of Chasseurs at the direct request of Marshal Foch. WWI-- served as red cross nurse 1915-- served as volunteer pilot flying bomber missions over German—held Lorraine. worked as war correspondent with French Forces in North Africa between the wars. Devoted the remainder of her long life to the concept of aeromedical evacuation, giving more than 6000 conferences and seminars on the subject on at least four continents. Co-Founder of the French organisation Les Amies De L'Aviation Sanitaire (Friends of Medical Aviation). One of the leaders behind the success of the First International Congress on Medical Aviation, 1929. Received award from the Federation National d'Aeronautique at the Sorbonne, for her work in aviation medicine-- 30 Jan 1955. Film Director, author and actress-- 2 films 1934-5 on the history and development of airplane ambulances. Established civil air ambulance service in Morocco-- Given Medal de la Paix of Morocco. Invented the metal ski. At the age of 80, flew in a US fighter jet, and reportedly broke the sound barrier (but I can't document the latter) . In 1955, also at the age of 80, learned to fly a jet helicopter. Died, 14 Dec 1963, the most decorated woman in the history of France, with more than 34 medals and decorations.
