French pilot Jean Darry in SCW
 

Hello!

I’m trying to find some info on a French pilot, Jean René Derry, who flew on the Republican side during the early period of the Spanish Civil War. He seems to have claimed a shared He 51 while flying the Polikarpov I-15 (before 9 December 1936, presumably in the Escuadrilla Palancar/Rychagov).
He is also known to have taken part in the deliveries of Dewoitine D.372 to Spain from France in August 1936.
He is reputed to have claimed 3 victories in Spain and 6 alternatively 4 unconfirmed in World War 1 (he was 41 years old in 1936).
Is there anyone with additional info on him, especially on his claims (in both Spain and World War 1)?

Best wishes/Håkan

Re: French pilot Jean Darry in SCW
 

Hakan,

Thru a search on books.google Jean Darry is mentioned a few times in publications of the author André Malraux, who also fought on the Republican side.
It appears that Darry used the alias Julio Doria Alvarez.

In a book called "André Malraux et l'Espagne" Darry is described as an "anarchist and adventurer". He had made quick fortune in the US after WW 1, but back in France he was involved in the auto theft business for which he was convicted. This all according mentioned book.


Regards,

Leendert

Re: French pilot Jean Darry in SCW
 

Hello Leendert,

Thanks for your swift respons!

It seems that Derry's wife (Léone Bourdel) was the secretary of Malraux.

Darry seems to have been quite a character and his reputation from Spain is also mixed to say the least!
Lacalle say that was "...the most serious, responsible and courageous of them all." while Guidez claims that "after several weird actions in different actions, I ordered his striking off charge at Getafe and that was done.".

However, I never been able to find any traces of his claims, neither in Spain nor WWI and this together with his reputation makes them very suspicious!

Best wishes/Håkan

Re: French pilot Jean Darry in SCW
 

Hello,

Jean Kosheleff (said Dary) was born in Paris the 6th décember 1896.
From Garcia Lacalle memors he had at least 3 victories while flying in his squadron.
From russain archives he had 0.5 confirmed (not claimed) victory on december 1936 the 9th while flying in Grinberg (Rytchagov) squadron over an Heinkel (Fiat) fighter.

He's not on the official french WWI "aces" list . It means he never obtained 5 confirmed victories despite he faught bravely (many citations & military medal) during Verdun battle in N88 squadron.

Regards