René Doumer

Capitaine René Doumer (October 31, 1887 – April 26, 1917) was a French World War I flying ace credited with seven confirmed aerial victories and four unconfirmed combat claims.

René Doumer
Born	(1887-10-31)October 31, 1887 Laon, France
Died	April 26, 1917(1917-04-26) (aged 29) North of Brimont, France
Allegiance	France
Service / branch	Aviation
Years of service	1908 - 1917
Rank	Capitaine
Unit	Escadrille 64
Commands	Escadrille 76
Awards	Legion d'Honneur Croix de Guerre
Relations	Paul Doumer Blanche Richel Doumer

Biography

Born on October 31, 1887, René Doumer was one of the eight children of Paul Doumer (President of France 1931–1932) and Blanche Doumer (née Richel). He was a professional lieutenant when World War I began, having been a chasseur since 1908. He was seriously wounded on 17 September 1914 in circumstances that won him the Legion d'Honneur. After recovery, he transferred to aviation. His first assignment was to fly a Caudron for Escadrille 64. He scored his first two victories with this unit, on 19 and 30 March 1916. He transferred to a Nieuport fighter unit next, Escadrille 76. He would rack up five more wins between 23 October 1916 and 28 March 1917. He would also succeed to command of Escadrille 76. He was killed by Erich Hahn on 26 April 1917.

List of aerial victories

See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

No.	Date/time	Location
1	19 March 1916	Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers
2	30 March 1916	Sainte-Marie-à-Py
3	23 October 1916	Azannes
4	23 October 1916	Romagne
5	23 January 1917	Craonne
6	17 March 1917	Corbeny
7	28 March 1917	Berméricourt

References

• Nieuport Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-85532-961-1, ISBN 978-1-85532-961-4.
• Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank (1993). Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918 London, UK: Grub Street Publishing. ISBN 978-0-948817-54-0.