“Many in France would prefer Saint Exupéry’s grave to remain a mystery – including his wealthy and secretive family, the literary establishment that has implacably guarded his reputation, and a political establishment keen to retain its wartime hero. ‘Legends like Saint Exupéry’s should not be tinkered with,’ pronounced his nephew, Jean D’Agay, in the French press, a view echoed by the family’s supporters.

If the plane could be shown to have been shot down, the author’s reputation would remain untarnished. But when the wreck was finally raised last autumn, no bullet holes were found. Still, as France prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of its national hero’s death, few are willing to confront the possibility that the author of Le Petit Prince deliberately plunged his warplane into the sea.Still, as France prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of its national hero’s death, few are willing to confront the possibility that the author of Le Petit Prince deliberately plunged his warplane into the sea.” From The Telegraph.