Early French aviator and a fighter pilot (1888-1918) during World War I. A tennis center was named after him in the 1920s, the Stade de Roland Garros, the stadium that accommodates the French Open tournament, which is officially called Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros (the 'French Internationals of Roland Garros'). ALS in French, signed “Garros,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 7.25, May 30, 1918. In part (translated): "I have taken a long time to answer you but meanwhile I was doing everything possible unfortunately not a lot for our unfortunate comrades. I have communicated your letter to the competent service and have insisted about it with numerous personalities. I have the impression that there is nothing to be obtained. We are in a true delicate situation regarding the hostages. We have in this moment an association of the people who have evaded prison…Through this organ we may perhaps be better listened to. I will take care of this I promise you. I have read with great emotion the news you have given me of the camp after our escape…I use the uniform of the 27th regiment in remembrance of Pierrot Du Roure and of LaGarde who have been the most faithful makers of our success." In fine condition. Garros had been captured by the Germans in 1915 and held for nearly three years before escaping in February 1918, mere months before writing this letter. He would be killed in action in October, shot down near Vouziers, Ardennes, a month before the end of the war and one day before his 30th birthday.
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