‘Now about my youth. The old man was in Breslau with the Leibkürasseren 1 when I was born on 2 May 1892. We lived in Kleinburg.’

"This picture shows Manfred von Richthofen as a child, about two or three years old."

"This picture shows Manfred von Richthofen as a child, around the age of seven. He is wearing a sailor suit, which was very fashionable at the tim...

"When he was eight years old, he climbed the largest apple trees on the estate, which hardly anyone else could reach. But then he didn't let himse...

"Because from the earliest days of his youth, Manfred had already shown samples of unusual energy. As an eight-year-old boy, my parents were expec...

"An easily terrified mother is a great obstacle to the physical development of children,' Mrs von Richthofen said. 'When Manfred was a little boy,...

The family has to sell Schloss Romberg due to financial troubles.

"I had private lessons until I was nine years old."

"then a year of school in Schweidnitz",

‘I later became a cadet in Wahlstatt. But the people of Schweidnitz regard me as a child of Schweidnitz. The cadet corps prepared me for my curr...

‘I joined the cadet corps as a young sixth-former. I wasn't overly keen on being a cadet, but it was my father's wish and so I wasn't asked for ...

"That's how Manfred got through his time as a cadet, even though this type of education and youthful treatment didn't suit him too well. But he gr...

‘Captain Freiherr von Richthofen has not returned.’ So reports the army bulletin, succinctly and bluntly. So it has happened after all! What n...

"Manfred only caused my parents serious concern once. He had suffered a serious knee injury in the cadet corps. A piece of cartilage in his knee h...

"Twelve years ago, Manfred had travelled this route and I had visited him many times. I really liked the spirit of the school. The boys had to stud...

"Manfred was extremely truthful. Even today, my mother cannot praise the extent to which my parents could always rely on him. He gave precise and ...

"He didn't underestimate the danger, but it didn't play a role in his life. That was the case from an early age. The girls claimed that the manor ...

‘I liked it a lot better in Lichterfelde. I was no longer so cut off from the world and began to live a little more as a person. My favourite me...

"It is hereby certified that His Royal Prussian Cadet Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, in the presence of over 100 witnesses, most of whom are of ...

‘Of course, I could hardly wait to join the army. That's why I went to the front after my midshipman's examination and joined the Uhlan Regiment...

‘A memory came back to me. Even when Manfred was attending war college in Gdansk, he had hunted in East Prussia, and something happened at that ...

‘About a year later at the regiment, my Rittmeister v. Tr., who was very fond of sport, told me that he had bought a very chunky jumper. We were...

"MvR appointed Leutnant and in the 3rd squadron in Ostrowo"

‘I finally got the epaulettes. It was about the proudest feeling I've ever had to be called ‘Mr Lieutenant’ all at once. My father bought me...

"When Manfred was commissioned as a junior officer in the Ulan Regiment No. 1, Emperor Alexander III, he became even more passionate about equestr...

"On becoming a Lieutenant in 1912, Manfred's father gave him a fine mare which he called Santuzza. The life of a young officer in a regiment of Uh...

"Manfred has won many great prizes in show jumping competitions and cross-country rides. Most recently in the Kaiserpreisritt in 1913."

"His ambition was to ride in big races in Breslau and in the capital of the Reich. For this purpose he had acquired a thoroughbred named Antithesi...

"It was a summer's day, as beautiful as it could be. The strong sun lay over the water. From the terrace of the beach hotel, over the burning red g...

‘There was nothing in all the newspapers but thick novels about the war. But we'd been used to the howls of war for a few months now. We had alr...

"Thank God that this journey is behind us. The crowds at the station were life-threatening, the train unimaginably overcrowded. We jumped into the ...

"Ostrowo, 2 August 1914. These are my last lines in great haste. My warmest greetings to you. Should we not meet again, please accept my heartfelt ...

"On 2 August, the mobilisation order was followed by the declaration of war. Lothar returned from the war college in Danzig to his regiment, the 4t...

‘We border cavalrymen were familiar with the word ‘war’. Everyone knew exactly what to do and what not to do. But no one had any real idea w...

"On 3 August we learned that the Uhlan Regiment 1 and the Infantry Regiment 155 had occupied Kalisch. The first battle - the first success. And: Ma...

"Manfred wrote from Schelmce, on the other side of the border. The letter was dated 5 August, the day when the church service brought us together ...

"Today was a day that is still fresh in my mind, but which also moved me deeply. A field service was held for the entire garrison, the soldiers an...

"Dear Mum!

How are you all doing in these turbulent times? You are certainly safest in Schweidnitz. I am now on my third night on patrol in Rus...

"Today was Ilse's birthday. We didn't celebrate it (who would have the sense for that now!). We used the day to sew the clothes she needs as a Red ...

‘To France. We were now loaded in my garrison town. Where to? - No idea whether west, east, south or north. There were a lot of rumours, but mos...

‘We unloaded in Busendorf. It was so hot that our horses threatened to fall over. For the next few days, we marched north towards Luxembourg. In...

‘We marched and marched, the patrols far ahead, until one fine day we were at Arlon. I had a funny feeling as I crossed the border for the second...

Unfortunately, I rarely have time to write, and when I do, it is only briefly. Therefore, please do not be concerned if you do not hear from me fo...

"Dear Mum, I received your last letter in Ostrowo dated 4 August. The field post doesn't seem to be working very well. I write to you almost every ...

‘I had the task of determining how strong the occupation of a large forest near Virton might be. I rode out with fifteen Uhlans and realised tha...

"The Hirschberg fighters have suffered heavy losses, 300 men are said to be dead or wounded. Manfred reported. In the afternoon news came of a grea...

"It was on August 21st, in the little Belgian village of Etalle, twenty miles from the frontier, that Richthofen received orders to make a mounted...

‘The battle of Virton was underway. My comrade Loen and I once again had to patrol to find out where the enemy had gone. We rode after the enemy...

"Dear Mum!

I want to briefly describe to you what I have experienced here in the West. – Before the army's deployment was complete, it was of...

"On September 1, 1914, he was transferred as an intelligence officer to the 4th Army, which at that time was stationed in front of Verdun."

"I received a card from Manfred. He is well and cheerful. I had to think about him a lot, but now I'm reassured and happy again. We had a war servi...

"Thank you very much for your last two cards dated 21st and 24th. The post arrives very irregularly. I received the card dated 24th eight days bef...

"We had news of both sons. Lothar is already on his way to Paris with the cavalry division. Manfred is outside Verdun. He's already been through a ...

"Dear Mum!

I have some good news to share with you. Last night, I received the Iron Cross. How are things in Lemberg? Here's some advice: if th...

"...The war has taken its toll on our sons. I have to thank God that they are still alive. Lothar was wounded on a patrol ride by Nebermann and Bor...

"...I have time to ponder, my thoughts always drift in the same direction, the mothers are always with their sons in the field in spirit. I can con...

"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,...

"MvR almost killed by artillery fire; his horse is killed."

"Dear Mum!

A car has just arrived here, loaded with the first parcels, including two from you to me. It's the fur coat and a small parcel conta...

"Dear Mum!

We are now lying in shifts like the infantry in the trenches, with the French two thousand metres in front of us. It's quite boring ...

"Ilse drove home via Breslau at seven o'clock, I drove to Ostrowo, Manfred's old garrison, to pick up his things. The journey was supposed to take ...

"...Since Thursday there has been deep snow, it is freezing cold.Manfred writes very happily that he has received his fur. He has been fighting in ...

"...Manfred is still lying in the west, condemned to be stranded (which is very much against his nature). His thoughts are already on the approachi...

"Dear Mum!

I've been sitting in front of Verdun for three months now. Nothing changes here. Last night we were playing cards when another shell...

"MvR watchs a Taube get shot down by a Nieuport over Verdun."

‘Dear Mum!

I have already sent you a short message to let you know that I have joined the 18th Inf. I have become an orderly officer. Here on...

‘For such a restless spirit as I am, my work before Verdun could definitely be described as ‘boring’. At first I was in the trenches myself ...

"Life in our house has gone quiet. Manfred only briefly announced that he had become an orderly officer in the 18th Infantry Brigade."

‘Manfred writes under the immediate impression of a battle: ’Dear Mum! I am writing these lines to you during a terrible cannonade. I can see e...

"Dear Mum!

Now I finally have enough physical activity. All the days I don't spend in the trenches, I spend hunting. I'm quite proud of my hunt...

"...Manfred witnesses the battles between Mass and Moselle. The gunfire rolled from early in the morning until late at night, the windows rattled i...

"...Manfred asks about him in every letter, with great brotherly concern. Côtes, 27 March 1915: "Dear Mum! I have had no news of Lothar for a mont...

"Dear Mum!

Thank you very much for the lovely Easter eggs. We enjoyed them very much in the shelter amid the thunder of cannon fire. Things hav...

"So it was that toward the 1st of May, he received instructions to prepare himself for another duty in the service of supply, still farther back f...

"On Friday, 21 May, at the crack of dawn, Manfred arrived in Schweidnitz, having telegraphed the day before. The garden gate was still closed. Sudd...

‘I'd been holding out like this for a few months, when one fine day there was some movement in our shop. We were planning a small offensive on o...

‘On 30 May 1915, he began his training as an observer on a course at Flieger-Ersatzabteilung 7 in Cologne.’

"When he joined the air force in May 1915, he literally answered my question as to why he had decided to do so: 'I don't want to be just an observ...

‘The first time in the air! I was to fly for the first time at seven o'clock in the morning! I was in a somewhat understandable state of excitem...

"Dear Mum!

The days at home were very nice, but unfortunately too short. I was with Dad until eleven o'clock in the evening. He looks more yout...

"MvR reports to adjutant Hermann of FEA 7 at Cologne. He is assigned to Barracks 7 with 29 other gunner-observer trainees. CO is Hauptmann Radhoff."

"Dear Mum!

I have finally arrived here. The 7th Air Force Replacement Unit has a huge apparatus for training us. There are thirty of us, all of...

"The 30-day course was completed by a subsequent 14-day course in Großenhain near Dresden, where the focus was on practice."

"On June 10, 1915, I arrived in Großenhain to be sent to the front from there. Of course, I wanted to get out as quickly as possible because I wa...

"Richthofen worked hard at Cologne and was the first of the thirty to finish. Several did not qualify. On June 10, he was sent to the No. 6 Air Re...

"MvR takes and passes his flight physical by taking a ride in a 2-seater. Dr. Kahler passes him."

‘As an observer I might have been quite suitable in my capacity as a cavalryman; for after a fortnight I was sent out, to my great joy, to the o...

‘In June, July and August 1915, I stayed with the flying unit that took part in Macken's entire advance from Gorlice to Brest-Litovsk. I had com...

"...The days were now nice and clear, we took courage again. Manfred successfully completed his course, flying suits him, suits his nature; even af...

‘My last flight with him almost went wrong. We didn't actually have a specific mission to fly. But that's the beauty of feeling completely free a...

"Manfred has been assigned to a giant aeroplane to Ostend. He's really looking forward to it. The small flying fortress is supposed to be able to c...

"He was to report to an airdrome at Ghistelles, a village near Ostend, Belgium, on August 21, for duty with the Mail Pigeon Detachment."

"An airfield was constructed between Snaaskerksestraat and Zomerloosstraat, close to Gistel station. A branch line from the Ostend-Torhout railway...

‘Rußland-Ostende (From two-seater to large fighter aircraft) After our activities in Russia came to such a gentle halt, I was suddenly transfer...

‘A drop of blood for the fatherland (Ostend) I was never actually wounded. I always took my head away at the decisive moment and pulled in my st...

‘Zeumer and I would have loved to have had a dogfight. Of course we flew our large fighter aircraft. The name of the barge alone gave us such co...

"On 12 September, the postman brought a strange card from the field. It was written in clumsy handwriting. I studied it and learnt from it that Man...

‘The good time in Ostend was only very short, because the battle in Champagne soon broke out and we flew to this front to continue our work with...

‘Once I flew with Osteroth, who had a slightly smaller aeroplane than the Äppelkahn (the large fighter plane). We met up with a Farman two-seat...

‘Zeumer got himself a Fokker monoplane during this time, and I was able to watch as he sailed around the world alone. The Battle of Champagne wa...

‘There are some moments in life that cause a special thrill, such as the first solo flight. Zeumer, my teacher, said to me one evening: ‘So, n...

"Dear Mum!

The new flying gloves have just arrived. You can hardly imagine how happy I was to receive them. Thank you very much indeed. As you ...

‘In order to pass my exams, however, I had to go to Berlin. I took the opportunity to fly a giant aircraft in Berlin as an observer and was orde...

"His interest in flying has probably increased. At the same time, however, his passion for hunting has come to the fore. He has my husband's marvel...

‘We often had fun times in Döberitz. For example, one of the conditions was: ‘Outlandings. On this occasion, I combined the necessary with th...

"Fate has been kind to us. Our wishes have come true. We celebrate Christmas together and you could almost feel like you've been transported back t...

‘I took my third exam on Christmas Day 1915. I combined it with a flight to Schwerin to see the Fokker works. I took my mechanic with me as an o...

"MvR takes four hour train ride to Fokker plant at Schwerin, north of Berlin."

"Meets Anthony Fokker and is given a two-day tour of engine works."

"Dear Mum!

Since I was in Schwerin for New Year's, I haven't flown once. Here in Berlin, it rains constantly, which means we can't get anywhere...

"The Christmas days lingered in me for a long time, and no sooner had I savoured them than a new joy came over us. It came from the air. On 1 Febru...

‘A thunderstorm flight Our activities off Verdun in the summer of 1916 were disrupted by frequent thunderstorms. There is nothing more unpleasan...

"The month of March brought release. He was appointed to Fighter Squadron No. 2 as a pilot. This was the second squadron of the Carrier Pigeons; i...

"Fortune smiled upon him when het met an infantryman/motor mechanic by the name of Josef Holzapfel, who was to remain as his trusted mechanic, alo...

‘In the army report of 26 April 1916 I am mentioned for the first time, if not personally, at least by one of my deeds. I had mounted a gun on t...

"Dear Mum!

Just a quick note to share some good news: take a look at the army report from 26 April 1916! One of the planes my machine gun has o...

"As a young pilot, I once flew over Fort Douaumont on a fighter flight, which was under heavy barrage. I saw a German Fokker attacking three Caudro...

"We were shocked to hear that Count Holk was no longer alive. ...This air on horseback connected him closely with Manfred, who had already had some...

"Richthofen flew to Sivry for the funeral [of Holck], just one of many such events, both modest and elaborate, that he would attend within the nex...

"Dear Mum!

Thank you very much for your birthday wishes. I had a very nice birthday here. In the morning, I had three very thrilling dogfights,...

'As can be read in a letter dated 3 May 1916, he felt ‘very comfortable in his new occupation as a fighter pilot’ – ‘I believe that no oth...

"The first time on a Fokker From the beginning of my career as a pilot, I had only one ambition, and that was to be allowed to fly in a single-seat...

"I am pleased that Manfred and Lothar see each other from time to time and stay in touch by phone. Lothar never forgets to tell me about such momen...

"We utilised the milk in all its forms, but it was up to Manfred to find out the secret of its evaluation. It happened like this: We had been in Tr...

"His Staffel leader, Victor Carganico, recalled: "At the time he came to my Staffel as a two-seater pilot, he was already urging that I send him f...

"A thunderstorm flight Our activities off Verdun in the summer of 1916 were disrupted by frequent thunderstorms. There is nothing more unpleasant f...

"24 June 1916 The last few days here have been very exhausting. I've often been in the air for ten hours, dropping bombs, etc. I've also been in a ...

"Immelmann followed him a few weeks later. Crashed and dead. Incomprehensible. He lived among the people. ...Manfred wrote: ‘In the long run, ev...

"Manfred often came together with Zeumer; it was a nice thought for me to know that the two old comrades-in-arms from the East, who were also close...

‘I leaf through old letters from Manfred's free, unattached flying days, when Georg Zeumer, friend and teacher, was still instructing him. I had...

"A few days ago I nose-dived into the ground with my Fokker. Witnesses were more than a little astonished when, after quite some time, I crawled o...

"Dear Mum!

What did you say about Immelmann's death? In the long run, everyone believes in it – even Boelcke. The commander of Lothar's fight...

"Bombing flights in Russia. On the morning of 30 June we were suddenly told to load up. We didn't know where we were going, but we had the right t...

"Mercy Le Bas near Sandres, 5 July 1916 As you can see from the newspapers, it's busy again here in the west. We've moved to the airport above, a l...

"Dear Mum!

A few days ago, I crashed my Fokker. The spectators were quite astonished when I crawled out of the wreckage completely unharmed aft...

"This photograph shows a daylight bombing raid on La Brayelle by No,23 Squadron F.E.2bs on 13 August 1916. Bomb explosions (casting long shadows) ...

"On 25 August, Manfred surprised us with his visit on his way from the east to the west. The combat squadron to which he belonged had made the rail...

"At last! The August sun was almost unbearable on the sandy airfield in Kowel. We were chatting with our comrades when one of them said: ‘Today t...

"One afternoon, Oswald Bölcke appeared. He was on his way back to Germany from a tour of air groups in Turkey. The trip had been arranged by the ...

""Are you no longer interested, my young friend, in being a fighter pilot?", Bölcke asked the incredulous Baron. "Yes, of course, sir" Manfred bl...

"… In addition to myself, Bölcke has recruited from here a young Uhlan Leutnant von Richthofen, a splendid fellow, who has already proven himse...

"Three days later, I was on the train and travelling across Germany directly to the field of my new job. At last, my most fervent wish had been ful...

"Combat Report: Vickers No. 7018, Motor No. 701, Machine guns Nos 17314n 10372, near Villers Plouich, 1100 hrs.

When patrol flying I detected shra...

"We all stood on the firing range, and one by one we fired our machine guns in the way that seemed most favourable to us. The day before we had re...

"...Manfred hasn't let us hear from him for a long time. Whenever the postman comes, you're already at the window. There is fierce fighting on the ...

"Bölcke was not only the commander of Jasta 2, but also its mentor, so the battle was analyzed the next day, when the weather was too bad for pat...

"Combat report: 1100hrs. One-seater Martinsyde, GW No. 174. 1100 air fight above Bapaume. Adversary dashed, after 300 shots, lortally wounded, near...

"On the 25th, Lother arrived, quite unexpectedly... ...We lose ourselves in old times and everything is friendly and bright again. Once, Manfred sh...

"In all my life I have never known a more beautiful hunting ground than in the days of the Battle of the Somme. When you got up in the morning, th...

"Combat Report: 1150 hrs, near Lagnicourt About 1150 I attacked, accompanied by four planes of our Staffel above our aerodrome at Lagnicourt and at...

"I'm sitting in the large garden room, organising the letters Manfred wrote. So much has happened in these weeks. Manfred shot his second Englishm...

"Dear Mum!

On 30 September, I shot down my third Englishman. He crashed down in flames. Your heart beats a little faster when the enemy, whose ...

"Combat Report: Machine Type: New and not seen up till now. Plane No. 6618: A two-deck plane (biplane) with 12 cyl. Daimler Motor No. 25 226. 0910 ...

"Air combat successes: On 7 October, Lieutenant von Richthofen shot down an English single-seat biplane near Equancourt. The occupant, Lieutenant ...

"Combat Report: 0500 hrs, near Ytres. BE one-seater No. 6580. Daimler Motor, No. 25188. Occupant: Lieutenant Capper. Together with four planes I si...

"In my entire life, I have never known a more beautiful hunting ground than during the days of the Battle of the Somme. In the morning, when you g...

"Dear Mum!

We've had bad weather here constantly, but I still shot down my fifth Englishman yesterday."

"Combat Report: 0935 hrs, near Bapaume. BE two-seater. About 0900 I attacked enemy plane above trenches near Lesboefs. Unbroken cover of cloud at 2...

"Boelcke † (28 October 1916) One day we once again flew against the enemy under the leadership of the great man. You always had such a safe feeli...

"Boelcke and I had an Englishman right between us,when another opponent pursued by friend Richthofen cut in front of us. During the simultaneous l...

‘Jagdstaffel Boelcke, 3 November 1916: ’Dear Mum! Unfortunately I missed the train after Boelcke's funeral, to which I was ordered as a repres...

"Combat Report: 1410 hrs, north-east of Grevillers Wood. Vickers two-seater No. 7010. Accompanied by two machines of the Staffel, I attacked a low ...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Further reported shoot-downs: decision still pending. 3 November 1916 Lieutenant Frhr.v. Richthofen repo...

"Combat Report: 1030 hrs, BE two-seater, No. 2506. Motor: Daimler No. 22082. Occupants: Seriously wounded, pilot very seriously; observer, shoulde...

"In Boelcke's day, the eighth eight was a pretty decent number. Anyone who hears about the colossal numbers of kills today must come to the conclu...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: B.E. two-seater shot down on 9 November 1916 at 10:30 a.m. near Beugny by Lieutena...

"One of them appeared to be someone of particular consequence. He wore peculiar epaulettes and the distinctive trousers of a general. His face was...

"Manfred telegraphed that he had been awarded the Hohenzollern Order. He shot down his seventh and eighth opponents. When Boelcke shot down the ei...

"(left to right) Sandel, Müller, MvR, Günther, Kirmaier, Imelmann, König, Höhne, Wortmann, Collin."

"A great, unexpected joy! Manfred arrived at the crack of dawn. He looked slim and robust. And what he had experienced! He had to talk all day. - B...

"Combat Report: Jagdstaffel Boelcke. 0940 hrs, south of Grandcourt. Vickers two-seater. Together with several machines of our Staffel we attacked, ...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: on 20 November 1916 at 9:40 a.m. south of Grandcourt by Lt. Frhr. v. Richthofen, F...

"Evidence suggests Jasta 2 Staffelführer Stefan Kirmaier may have been the actual victor over 2767. He and Richthofen were each credited with a v...

"Combat Report: 1615 hrs, above Grandcourt. Vickers two-seater, fallen near Grandcourt, No. 4000 Motor No. 36574. Plane cannot be secured as under ...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: on 20 November 1916, at 4:15 p.m. near Gueudecourt (sic) by Lt. Frhr. v. Richthofe...

"Combat Report: 1500 hrs, south of Bapaume. Vickers one-seater, plane lying near Bapaume. Occupant: Major hawker, dead I attacked, together with tw...

"Major Hawker I was proudest of all when I heard one fine day that the Englishman I had shot down on 23 November 1916 was the British Immelmann. Ju...

"...Before I went to bed, I read my sons' letters again. The eleventh Englishman Manfred shot down was a Major Hawker, 26 years old. Prisoners said...

"The pilot of the bullet-nosed Albatros that now followed Hawker around a tight circle at 3,000 feet near Bapaume, two miles inside German lines, ...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: on 23 November at 3 p.m. near Bapaume by Lt. Frhr. v. Richthofen, Fighter Squadron...

"Dear Mum!

I send you my warmest birthday wishes and hope that this will be your last birthday during the war. My eleventh Englishman is Major ...

"We all went to the cinema together to see the film of Boelcke's funeral. Manfred was wearing the medal cushion, he was clearly recognisable... ......

"Combat Report: 1155 hrs, above Mercatel, near Arras. Vickers one-seater, No. 5986. Rotary Motor 30372. Occupant: made prisoner, wounded, Lieutena...

"Kofl 1st Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: One Vickers single-seater on 11 December 1916 at 11:55 a.m. near Mercatel, Arras. ...

"In the middle of the month I saw Manfred for a few hours as he was travelling through Breslau. He had been in Katowice to see the field flight chi...

"Combat Report: 1130 hrs, above Menchy. Vickers one-seater No. 7929. Motor: Gnôme 30413. Occupant: Arthur Gerald Knight, Lieutenant RFC killed. Va...

"Combat Report: 1345 hrs, above Moreuil. Vickers two-seater: A5446. Motor: Beardmore No. 791. Occupants: Pilot Lieut. D'Arcy, observer, unknown, ha...

"Manfred spends Christmas 1916 with his brother Lothar and their father in the Boelcke fighter squadron. The picture shows them surrounded by his c...

"It's very “Christmassy” again now; there's a secret hustle and bustle throughout the house. It won't be as nice as last year this time - neith...

"Combat Report: 1625 hrs, above Ficheux, south of Arras. FE two-seater was smashed, number etc. not recognisable.

At 1615, five planes of our Staf...

"First is a list of 29’s six pilots on this patrol, who took off from their base at le Hameau, at 1350 hours:

Name     &n...

On the Somme, 28 December 1916 "Dear Mum! Dad and Lothar were both with me for Christmas Eve. - It was a memorable celebration. A Christmas like th...

"Testimony of Herman Lohmeyer (mechanic of Oblt. Wolff, Jasta 11): At the beginning of 1917 I joined Jagdstaffel 11 in the Douai-Arras area, at th...

"Combat Report: 1615 hrs, near Metz-en-Coûture. Sopwith one-seater (lying south of this place), No. LTR5193. Motor: 80 hp Le Rhône No. 5187. A ne...

"The sixteenth has fallen. I was therefore at the head of all the fighter pilots. That was the goal I wanted to achieve. I jokingly said that to my...

‘Then one day a telegram arrived: ’Lieutenant v. R. appointed leader of Jagdstaffel 11." I have to say, I was annoyed. I had worked so well wit...

"For some reason, one fine day I had the idea of painting my bird bright red. The result was that my red bird was an absolute eye-catcher. Even my...

"After two days - we were sitting comfortably at the Boelcke fighter squadron and celebrating my farewell - a telegram arrived from headquarters to...

"A big day for us. I was woken up at seven o'clock in the morning by a telegram. I opened it with hesitation and not without the oppressive feeling...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

Organisational changes: On 20 January 1917, Lt. Frhr. v. Richthofen (Jagdstaffel Boelcke) took over comm...

"Combat Report: 1610 hrs, above trenches south-west of Lens. No details, plane fell on the enemy's side.

About 1610 I attacked, together with seve...

"Just to show them how it was done, he led them over the English lines for the first time on January 23d and 'knocked down' the first victim to be...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

Air combat successes: On 23 January, 1 English aircraft shot down by Lt. Frh. von Richthofen, J. St. 11,...

"Victory 18 and emergency landing after loss of upper wing

Combat Report: 1215 hrs, west of Vimy. Fixed motor: Plane No. 6937; Motor No. 748. Occu...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

On 23 January, 1 English F.e. DD. 160 hp. Forced to land by Lt. Frh. von Richthofen, J. St. 11, near Vim...

‘...After my return I found a letter in which Manfred informed me that he was leaving his ’dear Jagdstaffel Boelcke" to take over as leader of...

"Dear Mum!

You are surely wondering why I haven't written. So much has happened in the meantime that I don't know what to write first. I have b...

"It came at a time when the German fighter force was starting to have problems with the Albatros D.II. His own machine had suffered a cracked wing...

"Combat Report: 1600 hrs. BE two-seater No. 6742. Over trenches, one kilometer south-west of Thelus. Occupants: Lieutenant Murray - Lieut McBar, bo...

"English and French flying (February 1917) At the moment I am endeavouring to compete with the Boelcke fighter squadron. In the evenings we show ea...

"Twenty minutes after the pilot and his observer, both mortally wounded, were dragged from their airplane, a Canadian artillery battery blew it to...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

On 1 February 1917, an English B.E. two-seater was shot down 1 km south-west of Thelus by Lt. Frh. v. Ri...

"It's still early, the house is still asleep, the bitter cold makes you feel good in bed. I think I heard a ringing. I switch on the light, the cl...

"The army might be on the defensive, and the Air Service, too, but not Richthofen. He spent the first two weeks of February going over tactics wit...

"Combat Report: 1200 hrs. BE two-seater. Lens-Hulloch road, west of Loos. Occupants: one killed, the other severely wounded. Name of pilot: Lieuten...

"(probably) Capt. George Cyril Bailey DSO (WIA); 2/Lt. George William Betts Hampton (unhurt).aircraft actually returned to base safely.

Combat Rep...

"Again Richthofen was flying a Halberstadt, and, as stated, had been visiting his old Jasta 2 (Boelcke) at Lagnicourt and was on his way back to Br...

"He said in his report that the pilot had been killed in the air and the observer seriously wounded when the B.E.2 crashed into German trenches. T...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

1 o'clock N. an English DD two-seater, east of Loos within our lines by Lt. Frhr.v.Richthofen (20th)."

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

In addition, at 5 o'clock N., another English aircraft in Loosbagen, beyond the lines (as 21), was shot ...

"To the Commander of the Sixth Army air forces:

The adversary often slips downward over one wing or lets himself fall like a dead leaf in order...

"As he told an officer from the General Staff: "I have never had anything to do with 'Kanonen', that is, with combat-proven, experienced airmen. O...

"...It turned out to be a cosy few hours after all. Lothar feels so comfortable at home; he's a ‘family man’. The next day I invited him for co...

"Lothar von Richthofen recalled his brother's early combat missions with Karl Allmenröder and Kurt Wolff: 

"At the time both had no exper...

"From time to time, Jasta leaders would be summoned to conferences to discuss the changing circumstances at the front. This particular gathering wa...

"The English single-seater pilots always fly in squad formation when on pursuit work. Reconnoitering and artillery fire is also now carried on by ...

"aircraft actually returned to base safely.

Combat Report: 1250 hrs, one kilometre north of Loos. BE two-seater. Details unknown, plane fell on en...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

12.50 Afternoon. 1st Fdl. B.E. DD north of Loos by Lt.Frh.v.Richthofen, Leader J.St. 11."

"Combat Report: 1620 hrs, Acheville. Sopwith two-seater. Occupants: Lieutenant W Reid and Lieutenant H Green, both killed, buried by local command ...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

4.20 Afternoon. 1 Sopwith shot down near Acheville by Lt. Frh.v.Richthofen (as 23)."

"Combat Report: 1700 hrs, BE two-seater. Souchez. Details unknown, as plane landed on enemy's side.

Together with Leutnant Allmenröder, I attacke...

‘Shot down myself (mid-March 1917) Shot down is actually the wrong term for what happened to me today. I generally only call someone who falls do...

06-Mar-17: Lt E L Benbow in FE8 A4871, an Albatros scout in flames. RFC Communique No 24 states: Lt E L Benbow, 40 Squadron, drove down a hostile m...

"While Manfred von Richthofen achieved his 24th victory on the afternoon of 6 March, her very nearly did not survive the morning. As he recorded i...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

5.0 After. 1 fdl. F.E. Two-seater at Souchez by Lt. Frhr. v. Richthofen (as 24)"

"...Manfred's victory curve is rising steeply. I am experiencing all of this, but - how could it be otherwise! - there is also enough anxiety and w...

"Combat Report: 1155 hrs, Vickers one-seater. No. on tail AMC 3425a. Between Roclincourt and Bailleul, this side of the line, 500 metres behind tre...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

12:00 noon. 1 Vickers single-seater shot down near Roclincourt by Lt. Freiherr von Richthofen, leader of...

"Combat Report: 1200 hrs, BE two-seater, south of La Folie Wood, near Vimy. Occupants: Lieutenant Byrne and Lieutenant Smythe, 40 Squadron. Both ki...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

12:00 noon. 1 B.E. two-seater near Vimy on this side of our line by Lt. Freiherr von Richthofen (as 26th...

"Combat Report: 1130 hrs, Oppy, Vickers two-seater No. A3439. Motor No. 854. Machine guns: 19633 and 19901.

About 1130 I attacked with nine of my ...

"Combat Report: 1700 hrs, above trenches west of Vimy. BE two-seater. No details, as plane landed between the lines. I had spotted an enemy infantr...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

5:00 p.m. near Souchez (beyond) by Lt. Frhr v. Richthofen (as 28th)"

"On 19 March, the army report showed the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth, and the Silesian Provincial Diet sent a congratulatory telegram to the f...

"Richthofen rarely saw his victims' bodies. Orderlies were sent to the crash sites to get information necessary for reports and to collect souveni...

"Combat Report: 1730 hrs, BE two-seater. Hill 123, north of Neuville. Plane details unknown, as plane came down on enemy's territory. Message came ...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

5.25 near Neuville (beyond) by Lt. Frhr.v.Richthofen (as 29th)."

‘A little flying story (end of March 1917) The name Siegfried position is probably known to every youngster in the German Empire. During the day...

3947 Flt Sgt E P Critchley (Wia) & 12708 1/AM F Russell (Kia), 23 Sqn, FE2b A5485 - force landed Achiet-le-Grand after combat with HA during es...

"Combat Report: 1155 hrs, Givenchy. Spad No. 6607, with Hispano Suiza 140 hp motor. The first encountered here. Machine gun No. 4810. Occupant: Lie...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

11:55 a.m. 1 Nieuport-Spad single-seater with Hispano-Suizia engine near Vimy (this side) by Oblt. Frhr....

"Combat Report: 0820 hrs, Tilloy. Nieuport one-seater - burnt. Occupant: Lieutenant Grivert - English. An enemy squadron had passed our lines. I we...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

8:20 a.m. 1 Nieuport single-seater near Tilloy (this side) by Oblt. Frhr. v. Richthofen J.St.11, (as 31s...

"Dear mum!

Yesterday I shot down the thirty-first, the day before yesterday the thirtieth. Three days ago I became a first lieutenant by cabine...

‘Dear Mr Brauneck! I have just received your letter and want to answer it straight away. I remember that Lynker had already written to me about ...

‘First duplicate 2 April 1917 was another hot day for my squadron. From my position we could clearly hear the drumfire, and it was very heavy aga...

"Combat Report: 0835 hrs, Farbus village. BE two-seater No. 5841, motor: PD 1345/80. Occupants: both killed. Name of one - Lieutenant Powell. The s...

"The flying Uhlan took a photograph of the wrecked plane in which he killed Lieutenant J. C. Powell and Air Gunner P. Bonner. It remains, with his...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

8:35 a.m. 1 F.E. two-seater near Farbus (this side) by Oblt. Frhr.v.Richthofen, J.St. 11, (as 32nd) 2 oc...

"Concerning the visit of the two brothers to the scene of Powell and Bonner's fatal crash, Lothar wrote: "It was a sad sight which we saw. Half of...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 11:20 a.m., 1 Sopwith two-seater near Givenchy (this side) by Oblt. Frhr. von Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 33r...

"Combat Report: 1115 hrs Givenchy. Sopwith two-seater A2401. Motor: Clerget Blin without number, Type 2. Occupants: Sergeant Dunn and Lieutenant W...

"But now comes the third account of the affair, and this one is from Lieutenant Peter Warren, who was the pilot of the plane Richthofen shot down....

"Combat Report: 1615 hrs, between Lens and Lieven. Vickers two-seater, NO. 6382. Motor unrecognisable. Occupants: Pilot: Lieutenant O'Beirne, kille...

"…The further reports came like hammer blows, on April 3 the thirty-second victory;…"

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: afternoon. F.E. two-seater near Lens (this side) by Oblt. Frhr.von Richthofen, J.St. (as 34th)’

"La Brayelle was attacked on the night of 7/8 April by No. 100 Sqn F.E.2s.

Royal Flying Corps Communiqué No.83:

On the first raid, one phos...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 11:00 a.m. 1 enemy aircraft near Quincy (this side) by Oblt. Frhr. von Richthofen. J.St.11 (as 35th)’

"Combat Report: 1115 hrs, Lewarde, south of Douai. Bristol two-seater No 3340. Motor No. 10443. Occupants: Lieutenant McLickler and Lieutenant Geor...

"Combat Report: 1130 hrs, Cuincy. Bristol two-seater. Occupants: Pilot : Lieutenant Adams, Observer: Lieutenant Steward - unwounded. Plane details...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 11:00 a.m. 1 enemy aircraft near Lewarde (this side) by Oblt. Frhr. von Richthofen. J.St.11 (as 36th)’

"…on April 6, the Schweidnitz "Daily Review" already reported to me the thirty-sixth kill."

"Combat Report: 1745 hrs, Mercatel, other side of our lines. Nieuport one-seater, English; details not at hand. I attacked, together with four of m...

"Englischer Bombenangriff auf unseren Flughafen Die Vollmondnächte sind für den Nachtflieger am geeignetsten. In den Vollmondnächten des Monats ...

"Combat Report: 1140 hrs, near Farbus. Sopwith two-seater. Occupants: Lieutenant Heagerty, wounded; Lieutenant Heath-Cantle, killed. Details of pla...

"Combat Report: 1640 hrs, Vimy, this side of the lines. BE2 No. A2815. Occupants: Both killed, name of one - Davidson. Remnants distributed over mo...

"There is only one newspaper. It says that we are at war with America. I pick up the paper lying on my deck bed and read it again. Here! The enemy...

'From: Letters from a German fighter pilot to a young girl by Erwin Böhme.

This morning I visited Richthofen, who has now become a cavalry cap...

"Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report:

11:40 a.m. 1 Sopwith two-seater near Farbus (this side) by Rittm. Frhr. von Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 38th)"

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 4:40 p.m. 1 Bristol-D.D. near Vimy (this side) by Rittm.Frhr.von Richthofen, J.ST.11 (as 39th)’

"To the Engineer Department, Berlin, Adlershof, via C.O. Air Forces, 6th Army.

Subject: Breaking of wing of Albatros D.III 2-23-16.

On April...

‘Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen shot down the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth enemy.’ I have to close my eyes in joyful shock."

"fell inside Allied Lines

Combat Report: 0925 hrs, Willerval, this side of the lines. BE two-seater; details cannot be given, as English attacked ...

"Among the chief properties of a good pursuit plane (he wrote in a secret opinion to the technical staff) are the following: a good plane must not...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 9.25 a.m. 1 B.E. D.D. at Willerval (this side) by Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 40th)...

"On the evening of 11 April, Prof Dr Georg Wegener, a correspondent for Die Kölnische Zeitung, had arrived at La Brayelle. To impress this guest,...

‘My most successful day so far Wonderful weather. We are standing on the field. I have a visit from a gentleman who has never seen a dogfight or...

"Combat Report: 0858 hrs, between Vitry and Brebières. New Body DD: plane burnt. Occupants: Lieutenant M A Woat and Steward (Thomas) both killed. ...

‘Excerpt from a letter from Elisabeth Papendieck (born Brauneck), sister of Lt Otto Brauneck (Jasta 11) to Albert Flipts: ...he, together with a...

‘Lothar is a ’shooter" and not a huntsman My father makes a distinction between a hunter (huntsman) and a shooter who just enjoys shooting. Wh...

"As a matter of fact, I had been allowed to bag only forty-one. Anyone will be able to guess why the number was fixed at forty-one. Just for that ...

"Lothar writes: The squadron was divided into two groups, which meant that half the squadron always flew together. My brother flew as squadron lea...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 8.56 (sic) a.m. 1 F.E. (sic) D.D. near Vitry (this side) by Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen, J.St. 1...

"Combat report: 1245 hrs, between Monchy and Feuchy. Vickers two-seater, details unknown, as plane downed beyond enemy lines. Together with Leutnan...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 12:45 p.m. 1 F.E. D.D. west of Monchy (beyond) by Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 42nd)...

"Combat Report: 1935 hrs, Noyelles-Godault, near Henin Liétard. Vickers two-seater, No. 4997. Motor No. 917, 8 cylinder stand. Motor. Occupants: ...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 7.30 N. 1F.E. -D.D. near Henin-Lietard (this side) by Rittm. Frhr.v.Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 43rd)’

‘The most beautiful creature the world has ever created is the real Great Dane from Ulm, my ‘little lap dog’, ‘Moritz’. I bought him in ...

"Combat Report: 0915 hrs, one kilometre south of Bois Bernard, this side of lines. Nieuport one-seater, No. 6796 ; motor No. 8341/IB Rotary. Occupa...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 9:15 a.m. 1 Nieuport single-seater near Fresnoy (this side) by Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen. J.St...

"When the young hero Boelcke fell, a deep mourning swept through the German people, accompanied by the feeling: 'We will never see his like again....

"On 15 April 1917 Jasta 11 and Jasta 12 engaged jointly in a mission."

"Over time, you end up on many fronts. What I am about to tell you took place at Cambrai. In beautiful weather, my brother and I flew alone to the...

"Combat Report: 1730 hrs, between Bailleul and Gavrelle. BE two-seater. No details as plane fell on other side. When pursuit-flying (height of clou...

MvR is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Saxon “Military Order of St. Henry”. The highest Saxon decoration for valour (comparable to the Prussi...

‘Schäfer's emergency landing between the lines On the evening of 20 April we went on a fighter flight, arrived home very late and lost Schäfer ...

"Combat Report: 1710 hrs, near Lagnicourt. Vickers two-seater. No details, as plane fell on the other side of line. When my Staffel was attacking e...

The commanding general of the air force, Ernst von Hoeppner, visits Fighter Squadron 11 in Roucourt. Richthofen's aerial victory is the squadron's ...

‘kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 5.10 N. 1 enemy aircraft near Cagnicourt (beyond) by Rittm. Frhr. v. Richthofen, J.St.11 (as 46th)’

"Combat Report: 1205 hrs, Mericourt, this side of the lines. BE two-seater. No details, as plane broke in the air and was scattered in falling. I o...

Jasta 11 Festner, Schäfer, Manfred, Lothar, Kurt Wolff. Picture made into a postcard: Sanke card 511.

"Dear Mum!

I plan to come home at the beginning of May, but first I want to go on a capercaillie expedition, to which I have already been invit...

‘Lothar recounts: “After the tenth kill, we received a picture of my brother with his signature at the squadron. I had earned and received thi...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 12.13 N. 1 B.E.D.D. near Avion (beyond) by Rtm. Frhr.v.Richthofen,J.St11 (as 47th).’

"MvR's father visits him at Douai."

‘The anti-Richthofen squadron (25 April 1917) The British had come up with a great joke, namely to catch or shoot me down. For this purpose they...

‘In the meantime, Lothar has also joined in. I had long expected it. But the speed at which he is moving is still upsetting. 25 April 1917, in t...

"On Thursday 26 April Jasta 11's daily message traffic brought news that, on orders of Kaiser Wilhelm, the unit would henceforth bear the name Jag...

"Combat Report: 0930 hrs, Wood east of Pelves, south-east corner of Square 6998, this side of line. BE2. Pilot: Lieutenant Follit, killed. Observer...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 9.30 V. 1 fdl. Aircraft near Pelves (this side) by Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen Richthofen Fighte...

'The ‘old man’ is coming to visit us The ‘old man’ had arranged to visit his two sons on 29 April. My father is the local commander of a sm...

"A glorious, hot April morning! We are standing in front of our birds, waiting for a report. Then the telephone rings. Busy air traffic south of A...

"A description by the Berlin correspondent of the Allgemeines Handelsblad

The reporter observed the flirtatious manoeuvres of an English pilot ...

"Combat Report: 1205 hrs, Swamps near Lecluse, this side of the lines. Spad one-seater. No details concerning plane, as it vanished in a swamp. Wit...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 12.15 N. 1 enemy aircraft near Lecluse (this side) shot down by Rtm. Frhr. v.Richthofen Richthofen fighte...

"According to the survivor of this encounter, Lieutenant W. N. Hamilton, the British patrol was not an ordinary one, but one especially ordered to...

"Combat Report: 1655 hrs, south-west of Inchy, Hill 90, near Pariville, this side of the lines. Vickers 2. Occupants: Capt G Stead RFC. No details ...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 4.55 N. 1 enemy aircraft near Inchy (diess.) by Rttm. Frhr. v. Richthofen. Richthofen fighter squadron (a...

"Combat Report: 1925 hrs, near Roeux, this side of the lines. BE DD 2. No details, as plane is under fire. Together with my brother, we each of us ...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 7.25 N. 1 enemy aircraft near Roeux (between the lines) shot down by German Cavalry Captain Frhr. v. Rich...

"Combat Report: 1940 hrs, between Billy-Montighny and Sallaumines, this side of lines. No details concerning enemy plane as it was burnt. Soon afte...

‘Kofl 6th Army Weekly Activity Report: 7.45 N. 1 enemy Triplane near Lens (this side) by German Cavalry Captain Baron von Richthofen, Richthofen...

"Transcription of the imperial congratulatory telegram: recorded on 30. IV. 1917. 4 o'clock 20 min. before from the Gr. H. Qu. To Krg. schl homb. 2...

"Manfred achieves his forty-fourth aerial victory; a few days later his victory tally jumps to 50! He is in all the newspapers, on everyone's lips;...

‘Flight home Fifty are shot down. I thought fifty-two was better. That's why I shot down two more on the same day. It actually went against the a...

"After the meeting with Hoeppner, Richthofen toured almost every department in the building, including 'Airplanes', which recorded air victories, ...

"It was on 1 May 1917 when I said goodbye to my squadron in the morning and flew to Gr. H.-Qu. I sat in the back as Franz. Our first stop was Colo...

‘How was the visit to headquarters?’ I ask. Manfred gives a humorous account; I learn a lot of interesting things. Ludendorff made a particula...

"Manfred von Richthofen was in the company of some of the most important people in Germany on his 25th - and last - birthday. In the morning he re...

"The next day, I had to introduce myself to Hindenburg and Ludendorff. As usual, Hindenburg was swamped with civilians and uniformed personnel dur...