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von Schoenebeck describes MvR

Event ID: 802

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Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 11 - Volume 1 - Bruno Schmäling - 2024 Aeronaut Books

04 December 1917

Exact date?
20 Rue Jean Bart, 59296 Avesnes-le-Sec, France
Avesnes-le-Sec

Source ID: 71

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 11 - Volume 1 - Bruno Schmäling - 2024 Aeronaut Books p.  72 

ISBN: 978-1-964637-05-1

Carl-August von Schoenebeck, who served with MvR in Jasta 11from July 1917 trhough January 1918, characterized his Geschwaderführer in this way during a conversation with Bruno Schmäling:

“The most striking about him was his charisma. I’ve seen very few people who’ve had such a personality as Richthofen. He radiated supreme authority. He had an ability to inspire and win over people. He was quite clear in his statements and orders. We all had tremendous respect for him and made every effort to fulfill our military responsibilities well and win his favor.

At first, he was restrained around new airmen, sometime even harsh. You got the impression that he first wanted to get a good picture of the man and his character. Character meant for him: comradeship first, then loyalty, honesty and the willingness to be self-sacrificial. If you passed the ‘character test’, he became more approachable. You could go to him with any problem, and he took time to listen and to support you as much as he could.

As a combat pilot, especially a young one, you inevitably found yourself in situations where you were afraid of being shot down. Such experiences were nerve wracking. One of Richthofen’s skills was recognizing when a pilot had problems or fear after such an experience. He would discretely take him aside and do everything he could to help him regain his courage and self-confidence. As a rule, he then ensured that the pilot flew at his side during the next few missions to help him feel more secure. One could be sure that no word of such a conversation ever leaked out.

In an air fight you could be absolutely sure that he would come to your aid if he recognized you were in trouble. This gave us all a safe feeling.

He took his time and tried hard to pass on all his experience and knowledge to us young airmen. In the reviews that followed missions, he could be quite direct and sharp in his criticism but always fair, and some would leave the meeting with ‘red ears’. On the other hand, he was also ready to give out credit and praise. What he hated most was if a pilot showed ‘laurig’ (cowardice) in air combat or thereby left a comrade in serious danger. Such a pilot didn’t stay long with the Staffel.

He despised ‘Duckmäusertum’ (moral cowardice) and demanded that everyone speak their mind freely even if he didn’t agree with their opinion.

After his brother, Reinhard was the next closest to him.

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