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Report by D. A. West

Event ID: 619

Categories: 

Richthofen, der beste Jagdflieger des großen Krieges, Italiaander, A. Weichert Verlag, Berlin, 1938

21 April 1918

49.932804234339855, 2.5372532
On a ridge by the Bray to Corbie road
Vaux-sur-Somme

Source ID: 54

Richthofen, der beste Jagdflieger des großen Krieges, Italiaander, A. Weichert Verlag, Berlin, 1938 p.  118 

“Fenton House 112/113, Fenchurch Street London, E. C. 3.

I have read Mr Robert Barron’s report on the death of Baron Manfred von Richthofen, which I confirm in every detail.

My own conclusions, which I signed shortly after the event, were as follows:

von Richthofen was not shot down from the air.

One of the pilots of the two Camels came to the machine guns on the same day and confirmed that both Camels had jammed.

The Camels only escaped because of the shrapnel barrier created by our guns between the Camels and the Fokker triplane.

Von Richthofen performed an Immelmann manoeuvre and, in my opinion, was shot down while flying this manoeuvre, which would explain the direction of the bullet through his body. I also have a piece of the aircraft’s propeller, which was removed by one of our mechanics immediately after the incident.

I confirm that I was the officer on duty of the 11th Section “F” Anti-Aircraft Battery when the incident occurred. May I conclude this letter with my highest regards to the mother of a very brave man.

Signed D. A. West – M. C. ACA Lieut. R. G. A.”

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