Marcel Audemard d'Alançon
Éric Henri Marcel Audemard d’Alançon (5 January 1914 – 6 June 1940) was an airmen in the French Air Force during World War II. Biography Early years Alançon was born on January 5, 1914, in Paris, France. He was born into a military family and entered an Air Force school in Versailles in his mid teens. On October 1, 1935, he graduated and enlisted in the French Air Force. Military career On November 4, at Villacoublay, he began his Air Force flying lessons, he flew the Morane-Saulnier MS.315 and Potez 25 aircraft. He was named a corporal on April 4, 1936, and did his pilot training at Avord, from April to August 1936; he officially became a pilot on July 3, shortly before being promoted to sergeant on August 1, 1936. Promoted to the rank of second lieutenant on October 1, 1937, Marcel d'Alançon left Villacoublay that same month of October, transferred to the 23rd bombardment squadron based in Toulouse. From October 1937 to January 1938, he was detached to Istres to help with development of multi-engine aircraft, including the Lioré et Olivier LeO 20 BN3. Recognized for his qualities, he was sent to Salon-de-Provence to be a hunting instructor