Rolland Garros: athlete, pilot, designer

One of the first pilots to receive the title of "air ace" was Roland Garros, a French athlete who became a famous fighter pilot during the first world war. Garros was born in Saint-Denis, studied music as a child, and entered the law school. However, when he saw an airplane in Paris, he abandoned everything and devoted himself to mastering flying skills. In 1910, Garros received a license, created his own air circus and went to perform in cities in the United States and Mexico.

Roland Garros set several records: in 1911, he climbed to an altitude of 5610 m, and in 1913, flew directly to the Mediterranean sea, taking off from France and landing in Tunis. For this risky flight, Garros received the Legion Of Honor. When the first world war Began, the pilot performed in Germany. Here he had to start the plane on his own, after which the pilot made a dangerous night flight to France.

During the war, Roland Garros proved himself well not only as a skilled pilot, who destroyed many opponents. He designed a special mechanism by which the machine gun fired more efficiently: before, about 7% of the bullets hit the aircraft's blades. This innovation allowed Gorros to shoot down an enemy Albatross scout in 1915. Despite successful battles, the pilot was soon captured, where he spent 3 years. In 1918, Garros successfully escaped and returned to service some time later. The war was coming to an end, there were only 5 months left before the signing, and it was at this time that excessive fervor killed the French pilot. In the course of an unequal battle, Garros left the battle group, went after enemy aircraft, and was soon shot down. The pilot's grave Was discovered by French detachments during the offensive: he was buried in the area of the commune of Vouziers.