Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19045 - The Philatelic Collectors' Series Sale
Lot: 962

Sudan
Covers and Cancellations
Airmails
1914 (17 Jan.) four page letter from Marc Pourpe at Khartoum written in French to his aunt two days before his return after his epic flight from Cairo to Khartoum, contents include "On Monday morning I leave for Cairo from this delicious hell which is Khartoum, hell because of its heat, and delicious because of the ability and the cordial hospitality of the people who live in it. My flight was fairly difficult at the beginning, but as soon as the Nile delta had been passed I cruised along at an average speed of 137 Kilometres per hour!!!!!... I hope that my return will not be delayed too long..... I was received like a king in Khartoum by Lord Kitchener and the Sirdar... of course I am going to fly as far as Suez, my home town". An interesting and historical letter from this intrepid airman

Note: Marc Pourpe was killed in action, aged 27, during reconnaissance flights over German trenches later in 1914

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£210

Starting price
£210