Excerpts from the diaries of Fausto Godim, aviation pioneer

19th January, 1919

It’s official: Portugal split in two. For the time being, the Republicans have managed to overrule the land beyond the Vouga. My Mother is very upset, and her only relief is that I’m not in Lisbon, like most of the colleagues with whom I received my diploma in May 1917. We are Portugal’s first military pilots, and most of us are at the mercy of, if not in collusion with, the Republican rebels. It distresses me to see men with whom I flew in France in a battlefield now opposite to my own. The memories I have of the times we spent in the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps, in what was the greatest war ever seen!

I can only focus my efforts into founding a Northern Air Force with which we can serve this noble cause.

24th January, 1919

The monarchist uprising in Lisbon failed. King Manuel II postponed the audience he had previously granted me to an uncertain date, I think out of disgust or fury. I understand the sentiment, but I disapprove of the action. The moment is crucial for the existence of an Air Force; the mastering of the skies is the future. I have no one to appeal to.

13th February, 1919

Shame has been revealed! The Spanish monarchical authorities, who by the nature of their regime owe us their loyalty, have complied with the Lisbon government’s requests and arrested representatives of our Monarchy in the border areas! Don’t they realise the dangers of such a compromise? Don’t they realise the meanings that the Spaniards themselves might conclude? Infamy and ignominy! Treason, treason!

26th February, 1919

Blessed meeting! What a joy! I was going out for my walk when I bumped into Sarmento de Beires, an old colleague; we were given our diplomas on the same day. We agreed on lunch and some conversation: he confided in me that King Manuel II was making incursions into Galicia, which was more favourable to our cause. I immediately realised why all my requests for an audience had been rejected, including the ill-fated one that had already been agreed. He asked me to keep it a secret, since the Bureau wants to keep the King’s movements discreet, and I promised him so straight away. He listened to my concerns about an Air Force and agreed. However, he thinks I should take a different approach. He offered to support me. He too sees the future in the skies.

3rd March, 1919

The offensives on the Vouga Line have intensified, with brave resistance from our people. I’ve been considering Beires’ words. I don’t plan to remain inert in this war, but I know where I’m most valuable. We need a demonstration: a flight that will attract attention and awaken the King to the importance of the Air Force. I sent a message to Beires, who sent it back in agreement. He suggested using a night bomber and I tend to agree. I’ll start looking today. I’m leaning towards a dual-control model; it’s essential that a second passenger can assist in piloting in the event of strong winds.

1st May, 1919

What the Great Disease didn’t take away, the war tears apart. To think that so recently we were one country, under one ruler, one flag! My Mother is in mourning for Queen Augusta Vitória, whom she considers “a saintly soul”.

My efforts have not been in vain: I acquired a night bomber from France, which served in the Great War. Sarmento de Beires, I’m not sure how, managed to get the support of the Real Companhia do Comércio, the Real Companhia Vinícola and, astounding, a feminist organisation! The Canon of Oporto, an acquaintance of my Mother, also organised a petition at his parish. This project of mine is now truly a people’s project. Their heroic soul will push it forward!

3rd June, 1919

King Manuel II authorised the construction of an aerodrome in Viseu, no doubt aware of the popular interest that the project has triggered. We’ve been using military facilities to make the necessary changes to the aeroplane. We intend to experiment with the use of external fuel tanks, in the hope of increasing the aircraft’s autonomy for long-distance flights. I want to test the biofuel developed by Mechnikov, which also requires adapting the engines. It will delay the journey, as we will have to wait for the next harvest, but I believe it will become an asset in the long term.

4th October, 1919

The aeroplane is ready. We named it Augusta Vitória, in honour of the late queen. In the meanwhile, the Viseu Aerodrome has been completed at a speed that amazes me. When Man seeks it, the work rises, under the blessing of Our Lord. The conditions aren’t ideal, with winter bearing down on us, but time is short. Beires and I agreed to a short trip for our first test: Vigo, as a show of support for our allies in Galicia.

7th October, 1919

The journey wasn’t easy and the difficulties seemed unavoidable, but we made it. The heavy rain that hit us shook the Augusta Vitoria like a leaf in the midst of a hurricane. I owe my life to Sarmento de Beires, who assisted me and allowed us to land victoriously and without damage. The Galician guerrillas and the Portuguese soldiers were waiting for us, with the same smiles on their faces. I believe we were successful. I believe the King will not ignore the clamour of his people and the demonstration we have given here of the power of an Air Force, sustained by biofuel! These men’s cheers are living proof!

Fausto Godim died on 25th December, 1919, from tuberculosis. His dream of a Northern Air Force never happened, as King Manuel II decided to develop airships. It wasn’t until 1921 that the Monarchy invested in aeroplanes again, with the Vasco da Gama air cruiser.

Despite Sarmento de Beires’ support for the project, his ideals were firmly Republican, and he was
later immortalised in 1924, when he carried out the first Portugal-Macau air
raid, with Brito Paes and Manuel Gouveia, in the Pátria.