The Red Baron (Hardback)
A Photographic Album of the First World War's Greatest Ace, Manfred von Richthofen
Aviation WWI Aviation in WWI Photographic Books 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 WWI Photographic Books
Imprint: Air World
Pages: 168
Illustrations: 200+ black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781526781321
Published: 31st March 2021
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If one aircraft was to represent the First World War, it could be the distinctive red Fokker Triplane of Manfred von Richthofen. With an astonishing eighty aerial victories, the Red Baron became a legend in his own, short, lifetime. Regarded as one of the most widely known fighter pilots of all time, von Richthofen is also considered to be the First World War’s ‘ace-of-aces’.
While much is known about this German aristocrat, what this book accomplishes is a pictorial portrait of von Richthofen as has never been seen before. Through a unique collection of photographs, the life of this famous airman is laid bare. From early family photographs through to the First World War, and his initial service as a cavalry reconnaissance officer on both the Eastern and Western fronts, his flying career, and the aircraft he flew, this extensive collection provides an unrivalled window into the life of history’s most celebrated fighter pilot.
By 1918, von Richthofen was regarded as a national hero in Germany and respected by his enemies. However, his remarkable career came to an abrupt conclusion on 21 April 1918. Just as the German Spring Offensive was faltering, von Richthofen’s aerial armada took to the sky to engage the Sopwith Camels of 209 Squadron which had taken off to undertake an offensive patrol over the Somme. In the ensuing dogfight, von Richtofen pursued one of the Camels along the valley of the River Somme. As he crossed the Allied line he came under fire – both from the ground and from the air.
Von Richtofen was fatally wounded by a single bullet which damaged his heart and lungs. Just which Allied pilot, or indeed soldier, fired the fatal shot remains in contention. Images of the stripped wreckage of his famous Fokker Triplane add a solemn, and all too graphic, coda to the life of the Red Baron.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Donna Maguire
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the different pictures that were chosen to tell the life of The Red Baron, they really helped bring the story to life.
I have read a fair few nooks on the Great War and knew of The Red Baron before I picked up the book but after reading the blurb it was a book that I knew I wanted to read and I had read it from cover to cover within days of it landing on my Kindle- I thought that it was great!
The story is easy to follow and I liked the lay out. I liked the different photos used to show him with his family, his flight squads and also his dog when he was more at ease.
He was quite clearly a menace to the British when he was in the sky but the book tells more than just his flight career and number of “kills”, which achieves a staggering 80 in the end (assuming that they were all genuine that is!).
The book tells you about the injury he received and despite it being serious he was able to carry on flying but it does read as though it changed his outlook and personality and he stopped following the rules that he gave to his own pilots… which ultimately caused him to lose his life.
It was a really addictive and easy read for me, I loved the photos chosen and it is one that I will be very highly recommending as it shows there was more to The Red Baron.
A great look into a well known figure from WW1. The author brought out facts about the man I had not heard before. A great read.
NetGalley, Ron Baumer
4 stars
NetGalley, Joyce Fox
Deaths in the German Army Air Service numbered some seven thousand during WWI. Total deaths were in the millions.
Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen is the Red Baron. More has been written about him than any other German First World War participant. He was just twenty-five when he succeeded in downing at least eighty combatants in just twenty months.
This book has many fascinating photographs of von Richthofen and his colleagues.
I freely admit that I have been a Red Baron “junkie” for many years ever since I read about him as a child. I was so very excited to see that a book – with photos! - was written about him!
The book gives a brief history of von Richthofen's training and flying career. It has post mortem results (such as they were), and has other end notes. It also lists the eighty confirmed “kills” he is said to have accrued.
About Terry C Treadwell
TERRY C. TREADWELL was born and educated in Bournemouth. Having served in the Royal Air Force, in telecommunications, and travelled the world quite extensively, including working in Australia for a short period, he was European Correspondent for Naval Aviation News (the official aviation magazine for the US Navy) and Wings of Gold (US) for ten years.
Camel Pilot Supreme Captain D V Armstrong DFC (Hardback)
In aviation’s pioneering days the best and bravest airmen pushed the boundaries of flight in all dimensions and attitudes. When aeroplanes went to war this exploratory art, now known as aerobatics, was called ‘stunting’ in breezy RFC slang. Initially forbidden as foolhardy, its importance for survival soon became paramount in the life and death mêlées of dogfighting. But pilots still delighted in the joy and exuberance of aerobatting for its own sake, and they recognized a master of that very special skill in young D’Urban Victor Armstrong, whose displays were nothing short of electrifying.…
By Annette CarsonClick here to buy both titles for £40.99