Manfred von Richthofen became a fighter pilot on the Western Front in
August 1916. By January 1917, Richthofen had shot down fifteen aircraft
had been appointed commander of his own unit. He painted the fuselage of
his Albatros D-III a bright red and was nicknamed the Red Baron. In June
1917, Richthofen was appointed commander of the German Flying Circus.
Made up of Germany's top fighter pilots, this new unit was highly mobile
and could be quickly sent to any part of the Western Front where it was
most needed. Richthofen and his pilots achieved immediate success during
the air war over Ypres during August and September.
Manfred von Richthofen was killed on 21st April 1918. Richthofen had
destroyed 80 allied aircraft, the highest score of any fighter pilot
during the First World War.
This book is divided into three sectors of the WWI front line in which
von Richthofen operated. Each area is conveniently reached within hours.
Airfield sites, memorials and the graves of Manfred's famous victims are
described and directions for the battlefield walker are included with
information on related museums and historic sites with special
association with this most famous of fighter pilots.