Manfred von Richthofen
German fighter pilot and ace-of-aces of World War I.
Rittmeister Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (2 May 1892 – 21 April 1918), known in English as Baron von Richthofen or the Red Baron, was a German fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. Originally a cavalryman, he transferred to the Air Service in 1915 and became one of the first members of the fighter squadron Jagdstaffel 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917, he became the leader of Jasta 11, eventually rising to command the larger fighter wing Jagdgeschwader I, better known as 'the Flying Circus' or 'Richthofen's Circus.'
- born
- 2 May 1892 in Kleinburg, near Breslau, Lower Silesia (now part of Wrocław, Poland)
- died
- 21 April 1918 over France near Vaux-sur-Somme
- field
- Military aviation
- nationality
- German
- known_for
- Ace-of-aces of World War I with 80 confirmed victories; the Red Baron
Lore & Background
Richthofen was born into a prominent Prussian aristocratic family. He enjoyed riding horses and hunting, and excelled at gymnastics. After education at home and cadet training, he joined an Uhlan cavalry unit in 1911. When World War I began, he served as a cavalry reconnaissance officer, but with the advent of trench warfare, his regiment was dismounted. Disappointed, he applied for transfer to the flying service, reportedly writing, 'I have not gone to war in order to collect cheese and eggs, but for another purpose.' He joined the flying service at the end of May 1915, training as an aerial observer. He later met German ace Oswald Boelcke, who selected him for Jasta 2. Richthofen scored his first confirmed victory on 17 September 1916. He painted his aircraft red, leading to the nickname 'Red Baron.' He was shot down and killed on 21 April 1918.
Reader's Guide
Manfred von Richthofen remains one of the most famous fighter pilots of all time, known for his 80 confirmed aerial victories, the highest of any pilot in World War I. His leadership of Jagdgeschwader I, the 'Flying Circus,' showcased his tactical skill and ability to move his unit rapidly across the front. The mystique of his scarlet aircraft made him a national hero in Germany and inspired fear and respect among his enemies. Discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career have been considerable, especially the circumstances of his death. He has been the subject of many books, films, and other media, usually with his Red Baron moniker and flying his signature red Fokker Dr.I. His legacy endures as a symbol of aerial combat in the First World War.
Did You Know?
- Richthofen was originally a cavalryman before transferring to the Air Service in 1915.
- He painted his aircraft red, which combined with his title led to him being called the 'Red Baron.'
- He was officially credited with 80 air combat victories, making him the ace-of-aces of World War I.
- His autobiography was titled 'Der Rote Kampfflieger' ('The Red Battle Flyer').
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