The Red Baron

Beginning his wartime career on the Western Front in August 1916, Manfred von Richthofen, or the Red Baron as he became known, had shot down an impressive total of fifteen aircraft by January 1917, as well as being appointed commander of his own unit. By the time of his death in 1918, he had destroyed a staggering total of eighty allied aircraft. From the perspective of the allies, he was a deadly menace. For the Germans, he was a fighter pilot hero of legendary significance. This fascinating collection of rare images offers a fresh perspective on the Baron himself, as well as a number of his adversaries from the Allied side of the line. Found by chance at a car boot sale by the author, an esteemed journalist and keen amateur aviator, this collection has sat, mostly unused, for almost a century. Until now. This intriguing addition to the Images of War series is set to ignite new discussions about this most legendary of fighter aces as we approach the centenary of his death, and the ending of the First World War, in 2018.