Camille Mortenol

guadeloupe, naval officer, ecole polytechnique, air defense, pointe-a-pitre

Born Nov 29, 1859

Paris, Guadeloupe

Passed Away Dec 22, 1930 Paris, Guadeloupe

Lifespan 71 years old

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"Science, mathematics, and unwavering devotion to duty conquer all artificial prejudices."

Archival Overview

Pioneering Guadeloupean naval officer, first Black graduate of École Polytechnique, and organizer of the aerial defense of Paris during WWI.

Biographical Record

Camille Mortenol was a brilliant Guadeloupean naval commander and polytechnician who shattered racial barriers in 19th-century French military hierarchy.

Born in Pointe-à-Pitre the son of a freed slave, Mortenol displayed prodigious mathematical aptitude, becoming the first Black student admitted to the prestigious École Polytechnique in Paris in 1880, where he was warmly congratulated by President Jules Grévy.

Rising to the rank of Captain in the French Navy, General Gallieni entrusted him in 1915 with organizing and directing the anti-aircraft and searchlight defense of Paris against German Zeppelin night bombing raids during World War I.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Vaugirard Cemetery
Paris, Guadeloupe

                         GPS: 48.8389, 2.2981                    

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