Charles Godefroy – a name that echoes with bravery and audacity. This French aviator etched his name into the annals of aviation history with a feat that still sends shivers down the spines of onlookers: flying a plane through the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
From Soldier to Ace
Godefroy’s journey began in 1914, when he was summoned to serve his country in World War I. Though he was wounded in action and hospitalized, his love for the skies drew him to the French Air Force in 1917. After completing his training, Godefroy’s talent as a pilot shone brightly, quickly earning him a position as a flying instructor.
A Provocative Victory Parade
As the war ended, France planned a grand victory parade along the Champs Élysées, a celebration of their triumph. However, the military’s decision to have the airmen participate “on foot” sparked outrage among the pilots, who viewed themselves as heroes of the air. In a bold move, a group of aviators, gathering at a famous bar on the Champs Élysées, devised a plan to challenge this affront: one of them would fly through the Arc de Triomphe during the parade.
Stepping Up in the Face of Tragedy
The choice fell on Jean Navarre, a decorated flying ace with a remarkable record of aerial victories. However, tragedy struck when Navarre tragically died in a practice flight just days before the parade. With courage and determination, Godefroy volunteered to take Navarre’s place, despite having just 500 hours of flight experience at the time.
Planning the Daring Stunt
Godefroy, accompanied by his close friend and journalist Jacques Mortane, meticulously studied the Arc de Triomphe, charting the air route and analyzing the air currents. He practiced his approach at a bridge over the Small Rhône River, meticulously preparing for the daring feat.
A Flight That Shocked the World
On August 7th, 1919, under the veil of secrecy and dressed in his uniform, Godefroy took to the skies in a Nieuport 27 sesquiplane. He skillfully navigated his plane, approaching the Arc from the west. With a surge of adrenaline, he guided the plane through the narrow opening, barely clearing the top of the monument. Witnesses watched in awe as the plane passed over a tram filled with passengers, many scrambling to safety. Godefroy’s daring flight sent a wave of shock and disbelief through the crowd.
Secrecy and Aftermath
Godefroy’s daring feat was captured on film and photographs by Mortane, but the authorities, fearing copycat attempts, banned the release of these images. Despite his efforts to stay in the shadows, Godefroy’s name soon spread like wildfire. Though the authorities disapproved of his stunt, Godefroy escaped with only a warning.
A Legacy of Courage and Audacity
After his daring flight, Godefroy, honoring a promise to his family, retired from flying and returned to his wine business. He lived a long life, dying just shy of his 70th birthday. His legacy lives on through the street named in his honor and a memorial stone erected in his memory.
A History of Daring Flights
The audacious flight of Charles Godefroy was not the first nor the last time someone dared to fly under the Arc de Triomphe. Two subsequent attempts were made, in 1981 and 1991, a testament to the enduring allure of this iconic landmark and the daring spirit of those who seek to challenge the boundaries of human achievement.
