Pierre Gaudermen

[Jules Beau Collection. Sports photography]: T. 34. Years 1907 and 1908 / Jules Beau: Sous-Lieutenant Pierre Gustave Gaudermen (20 October 1882 – 20 December 1948) was a French World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Early life and background Pierre Gaudermen was born in Paris. In 1904 he enlisted in the .

World War I On 5 March 1915, Gaudermen was posted to Escadrille MF 55 as an observer, but on 10 August 1915 was sent to the military flying school at Pau to train as a pilot. He was awarded his military pilot's certificate on 10 November, and on 20 January 1916 was promoted to corporal and appointed a flying instructor at Buc, and later at Avord. On 20 September 1916, he was posted to Escadrille N 68 and was promoted to sergeant on 21 November. Detached for a while to Escadrille V 110, he was then seconded to Escadrille V 114 from 1 January to 1 April 1917, before returning to N 68. He was promoted to adjudant on 25 June. Gaudermen also took part in the 1907 French Grand Prix as riding mechanic to Albert Clément. On 17 May, during a practice lap, their car overshot a bend and hit a pile of sand near Saint-Martin-en-Campagne. Gaudermen was thrown clear, suffering only minor injuries, but Clément stayed with the car as it rolled several times, and broke his neck killing him instantly.

After the war, Gaudermen worked for the French Rugby Federation, and also returned to motor racing, At the age of 53, he represented France in the 1936 Summer Olympics, serving as a crewman in the 8 metre sailing event.

Gaudermen died on 20 December 1948 in Paris.

The French Rugby Federation created the Challenge Pierre Gaudermen, an annual competition for Rugby players under the age of 17, in his honour.