Émile Girardeau

Who was Émile Girardeau?

Émile Girardeau was a French engineer, famous for being the first person to patent the original system of frequencies that is used today and known as the radar. He was born in 1882 at Luçon, France.

In his early life he attended the École Polytechnique and became the Instructor at the École nationale des ponts et chaussées. By 1910, Girardeau established the first radiotelegraphic radio connection in tropical countries with Joseph Béthenod. The radio connection systems were designed for the Radioelectric French Company.

In 1919, Girardeau was promoted to Chevalier of the Legion of Honour for services in war. In 1922, Girardeau set in motion the idea for the creation of a public utility of information and music. Also in 1922, Girardeau helped establish the first private radio station in France, called RADIOLA, which at the end of March 1929 became Radio Paris. In 1931, Girardeau was promoted to Commander of the Legion of Honour.

In 1934, Girardeau headed the team which developed the first RADAR system in France. In 1939, Girardeau built with Maurice Ponte radar installations for the defence of Paris against planes. After the fall of France to Germany, Girardeau created a factory for underground forces of free France.