In the Footsteps of the Red Baron

by Mike O'Connor, Norman L.R. Franks

Manfred von Richthofen became a fighter pilot on the Western Front in August 1916. By January 1917, Richthofen had shot down fifteen aircraft had been appointed commander of his own unit. He painted the fuselage of his Albatros D-III a bright red and was nicknamed the Red Baron. In June 1917, Richthofen was appointed commander of the German Flying Circus. Made up of Germany's top fighter pilots, this new unit was highly mobile and could be quickly sent to any part of the Western Front where it was most needed. Richthofen and his pilots achieved immediate success during the air war over Ypres during August and September.

Manfred von Richthofen was killed on 21st April 1918. Richthofen had destroyed 80 allied aircraft, the highest score of any fighter pilot during the First World War.

This book is divided into three sectors of the WWI front line in which von Richthofen operated. Each area is conveniently reached within hours. Airfield sites, memorials and the graves of Manfred's famous victims are described and directions for the battlefield walker are included with information on related museums and historic sites with special association with this most famous of fighter pilots.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2005

Reviews

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately (like Frank’s other book) mostly uses the Red Baron as a hook for discussing the RAF/RFC pilots that he shot down rather than activities of the German pilots. Good descriptions of the locations of former German aerodromes when it talks about them but probably 70% of the locations identified are cemeteries where Richthofen’s victims are buried. Which would just not be that exciting to visit unless you’re looking for a specific one.

[Erwin Johann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it when I was little.. this book showed me that patience and selfconciousness are some of the best traits one can have..

I dont remember that much.. but I do remember the passage where he's atop on a tree and shoots people.. waiting for them.. countless hour.. I dont remember why, but this got stuck on my mind..

Then he flew...