The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-05-26

Fequant in Infantry First
 Gen. Philippe Fequant's history is that of competent odicer gradually rising to chief command. Born in Montmorency June g, 1883, Fequant was educated at the Saint Cyr Military Academy, Frances infantry school. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the colonial infantry. In 1907- 09 Fequant distinguished himself in the Tonkin campaign in French Indo- China.
 It was in 1910 that Fequant manifested his intention of learn ing to fly. It was the day when the primitive Nieuport dominated the feild. In 1912 Fequant was named to an air mission to study avia- tion possibilities in Frances Afri- can colonies. He made the first exploration flights in Senegal.
 When the World War broke, out Fequant was still an infantry officer and was attached to the Senegalese but in 1915 he was sent to an avia- ton school to perfect his flying knowledge. In May, 1915, he was sent to the front with an air unit. A year later he was a squadron commander and in December, 1916, he received special mention for the excellent work his squadron had done in bringing down 37 German planes and five balloons. In April, 1917, he was decorated with the Legion of Honor for his effective command of an air battalion In April of the next year he was appointed chief of staff of the 1St Air Division.
 Became General in 1880
 Fequant then was attached per- manently to the air service. After the ArmiStice he was assigned to the Air Force as one of its com- manders. Promoted lieutenant- colonel in 1921, colonel in 1925 ne then was appointed commander nt the Military School of Aeronautics. He was brigadier general in 1880 and rose to division general in 1885.
 Fequant's personal heroiSm was never at fault for in April, 1886, he was cited for his work in saving the crew and passengers of an airliner that had fallen into the sea. Fequant was aboard that ship. In June, 1886, he was appointed chief of the gen. eral air staff and member of the Superior Council of the Air Force.
 His supreme command came on Oct. 15, 1886, when Air Minister Pierre Cot appointed him general of the Air Force General Staff, vice president of the Superior Aviation Council and inspector general of anti-aircraft defense. He is grand officer of the Legion of Honor
 Darlan Youngest Admiral
 Vice Admiral Francois Darlan IS the youngest and ablest of French admirals. French naval circles be- lieve their new navy has com mander worthy of the excellent ships which today entitle France 10 fourth place among world navies.
 Darlan began his navy career in 1899 as a cadet aboard the antiquat- ed Borda, the navy's training ship and cadet school. During his career he has served in six campaigns ana played an important role during the World War. -..s. ......... r.r :.
 Born Aug. 2, 1881, at Nerac (De- partment of Lot ct Garonne) Darlan was young officer when the World War broke out. During the flrst years of the war he was charged with constructing land defenses pro- tecting French naval bases but as the British blockade succeeded III bottling up the German fleet, Dar- Ian, then captain, was sent to the front with the marines in charge or big naval guns that had been con- centrated at crucial points. He saw action in Lorraine, Champagne, Bel gium, the Disc, and at Verdun.
 At London Conference
 After the war he commanded the Rhine fiotilla and then became chleI of staff of the Far Eastern naval division. Darlan was promoted from marine captain to the command o1 battleship, gradually rising to squadron commander and rear ao- miral. His technical knowledge ol foreign navies led to his appoint ment as one of the French experts to the London Naval Conference ana the Geneva Disarmament Confer ence.
 AS rear admiral, Darlan com manded the first light cruiser d.
 1aa afNfNAiYNfnnpnf OI chief of the military cabinet oi Navy Ministry on several occasions where his expert advice was appre- ciated by various ministers of the navy.
 Darlan's appointment to the com mand of the French fleet was made in December, 1886, and he took over command on Jan. Is, 1887. Darlan is known as an aggressive tactician.