Free French Spitfire Hero: The Diaries of and Search For Ren Mouchotte

Ren Mouchotte was a Free French pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain. He joined the Arm e de l Air in 1934 and was called up at the outbreak of war in 1939. Mouchotte was posted to 245 Squadron and then to 615 Squadron, where he became a flight commander and shot down a Junkers Ju 88. He was promoted to captain in March 1942 and awarded the DFC. On 18 January 1943, Mouchotte returned to Turnhouse to form and command 341 Squadron, which transferred to Biggin Hill. On 15 May 1943, Mouchotte and Squadron Leader E.F.J Charles shared the sector's 1000th victory. Two days later, Mouchotte destroyed a Me 109. He was reported missing on 27 August 1943 and was buried in the town's cemetery. Commandant Ren Gaston Octave Jean Mouchotte DFC, CdeG was one of the most famous Free French pilots of the Second World War. His diaries, written between 1940 and 1943, are the basis of this book.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Ren Mouchotte, born on August 21, 1914, in Saint Mande, Paris, embarked on a remarkable journey through the skies during World War II. Joining the Armée de l'Air in 1934, he obtained his flying brevet and commenced his military service. Despite returning to civilian life, Mouchotte's commitment to his country remained unwavering when war erupted in 1939. He was promptly called up and assumed the role of a Sergeant-Pilot instructor in North Africa.

When France capitulated in June 1940, Mouchotte and fellow pilot Charles Guerin made a daring decision to escape to the United Kingdom. Along with four other French pilots, they embarked on a short flight to Gibraltar on June 30, 1940. From there, they journeyed to Britain, where their bravery was recognized and they were welcomed into the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Mouchotte's military career took off when he was posted to 245 Squadron, based at Aldergrove, on September 11, 1940. Just a week later, he transferred to 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron at Prestwick, where he flew the iconic Flying Hurricanes. It was with this squadron that Mouchotte achieved remarkable feats, becoming a flight commander, shooting down a Junkers Ju 88, and earning the prestigious Croix de Guerre.

His contributions did not stop there. He was promoted to captain in March 1942 and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). His leadership skills shone as he assumed the role of Deputy A Flight Commander with 340 (Free French) Squadron. His dedication and bravery continued to earn him accolades, culminating in his promotion to the rank of captain in March 1942.

On January 18, 1943, Mouchotte returned to Turnhouse to form and command 341 Squadron, which later transferred to Biggin Hill. His remarkable journey continued as he and Squadron Leader E.F.J. Charles shared the sector's 1000th victory on May 15, 1943. Two days later, Mouchotte destroyed a Me 109, showcasing his exceptional skills as a pilot.

However, fate had other plans in store for Mouchotte. On August 27, 1943, he failed to return from a bomber escort mission to the proposed V2 launch site at Eperlecques, near St. Omer. He was officially declared missing.

Over time, evidence emerged that Mouchotte's body had washed up on the beach at Middelkerke, Belgium, on September 3, 1943. His remains were buried in the town's cemetery, a testament to his sacrifice and the enduring memory of his remarkable service to his country.

Ren Mouchotte, Commandant Ren Gaston Octave Jean Mouchotte DFC, CdeG, stands as one of the Few of the Ba, a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served during World War II. His unwavering commitment to his country and his exceptional skills as a pilot have left an indelible mark on the history of the RAF and the war effort.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399040273