Friday, October 30, 2009

Return to the Cradle - Day 1, Presentation 1 (San Antinio Texas, Friday, Oct. 16)

League of World War One Aviation Historian's "Over the Front" Biennial Seminar


Return to the Cradle - Day 1, Presentation 1 (San Antonio Texas, Friday, Oct. 16)


Jim Wilberg presenting on Jean Navarre



Jim Wilberg opened up the conference with his presentation on the early French ace, Jean Navarre. In what would become a sort-of “rebel” theme for the day, Wilberg compared the personality of Navarre against that of the fictional character/pilot “Maverick” from the movie Top Gun, and stated that many of the clichés for fighter pilots started with Navarre.

Navarre’s pre-war life was referenced, particularly his twin brother, Pierre, to whom he was very close. Wilberg covered the fact that Navarre, with few exceptions, was not close to many of his fellow pilots and was particularly affected when his few friends were killed in action and particularly when his brother, who also flew in the war, was killed.

There were good details on the aircraft Navarre flew as well has the units in which he served and the commanding officers he scrapped with as well as some of the aircraft he brought down.

A significant portion of the presentation was dedicated to the Battle of Verdun, where Navarre gained much of his fame by flying multiple missions per day over long periods, earning him the title “Sentential of Verdun” by the infantry in the trenches who came to recognize the constant presence of his red Neuport.

Wilberg closed by covering Navarre’s removal from combat and his death after the war.

Wilberg also mentioned a book he in publishing which compiles WWI aviation images by Russell Smith, and text by a stable of noted WWI Aviation writers, many of which were attending and presenting at the conference.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

San Antonio - Pre-Conference Gathering

Today I find myself for the first time in San Antonio, Texas for the 2009, Over the Front conference "Return to the Cradle."

After getting checked into my hotel room I ventured down to the meeting area for the traditional meet-and-greet gathering. As expected I saw a lot of the usual suspects and some faces who were not familiar to me.

The bonus in the attendee folder was a copy of the Over the Front 2009 calendar. Yes, I know 2009 is just about over, but I have been kicking myself for not buying a copy of this at the beginning of the year. I have seen the image of Russell Smith's "Lowenhardt" all over the place this year and really like it. This particular image is on July and I am admiring it as I type.

I did confirm that the Over the Front web site has been down for a few days due to some logistical problems, but should be back up soon.

The final schedule of presentations looks good with a mixture of subjects of which I have some knowledge and others I know nothing about.

I will try to add put some high-lights here each day.