FR8VX 1938 Reunion Island

Prince Vinh-San, exiled Price of Vietnam.

Prince Vinh Sanh was the exiled (by the French) king of then French Indochina. I arranged the sked between him and W8LIR for the first USA/Reunion Island phone (AM) QSO. NG6W

There is a widespread belief that his death in the 1945 plane crash was a result of sabotage. It was in the best interest of France to see him disappear at at that time. Had he returned to Vietnam, many believe Prince Vinh San may have changed the history of SE Asia and prevented the Vietnam war, since he was a patriotic challenge to Ho Chi Minh. If sabotage did indeed occur, the French may have been responsible for their own defeat at Dien Bien Phu.

More info can be found on Wikipedia!

When in Vietnam in 1966, I became friendly with direct descendents of Prince Vinh San. I put one of them in touch with 3B8AD, who filled in many of the blanks by Email. You may recall that VQ8AD / 3B8AD was inspired by FR8VX to become a ham when Paul was sent to Reunion by his father for his education. Paul was mentored by Prince Vinh San. W6YA

QSL card sent to Barbara Dunn G6YL.
Started as a SWL in 1925.
Licensed in 1927 at EG6YL, Britian's first licensed YL.

QSL K8CX Collection
Info courtesy of NG6W, W6YA