11 October

(UTC+1)

Events on this day in the life of Manfred von Richthofen

I almost had to believe it

Ein Heldenleben, Ullstein & Co, 1920??p. 181??

11 October 1914
Verdun

“Dear Mum!

The post is about to go out, so I wanted to quickly send you a greeting. I’ve had quite an eventful few days. I almost lost my life, but luck was on my side once again. I was on patrol and had just dismounted from my excellent Charger when a grenade landed about five steps away from me and exploded on my horse’s saddle. Three other horses were also killed. My saddle and everything I needed and had in my saddlebags was, of course, torn to pieces. A piece of shrapnel tore my cloak, but otherwise I was unharmed. I was reading a letter from Aunt Friedel; I hadn’t opened the accompanying package yet, but had put it in my saddlebag – it was crushed into a shapeless mass. I also had Antithesis with me; he got a small splinter in his back teeth – nothing serious.”

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