Richthofen: Beyond the Legend of the Red Baron - Softcover

Kilduff, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471120332 ISBN 13: 9780471120339

Publisher: Wiley, 1995

Synopsis

Based upon a wealth of carefully researched and verified documentation from the newly opened archives in East Germany, this riveting book traces the development of German fighter aviation from early single aircraft aerial ambushes to the massed attacks of the Jagdgeschwader I—the battle force that Richthofen developed into a highly effective air weapon. Examining the most celebrated WWI flying ace's role as air fighter, leader and strategist, the author delves deeper than anyone previously to find the truth behind the myths surrounding Richthofen for 70 years. Features never before published personal writings by the Red Baron, including his own Air Combat Operations Manual, along with observations from his comrades, admirers, and enemies. Includes striking full-color and numerous rare archive photos.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

When the aerial battles of World War I are discussed, one name comes to mind instantly: Manfred von Richthofen, popularly known as "the Red Baron." He was that war’s most successful air-fighter. Through a combination of marks-manship, steel-hard nerves and luck, Richthofen shot down 80 enemy aircraft in less than fifteen months total time at the front as a fighter pilot. This spectacular success at destroying aerial opponents made him a living legend on both sides of the lines. Revered as a seemingly invincible champion by his own forces, he was respected by his adversaries. This book provides the first clear, fully-documented view of Manfred yon Richthofen as an air-fighter, exemplary leader and an important figure in the development of German fighter units and tactics in World War I. It was made possible by extensive research and, with the end of the Cold War, the release of significant documents in eastern Germany that have been unavailable to western historians since before World War II. It traces the development of German fighter aviation from the early single aircraft aerial ambushes to the massed attacks of Jagdgeschwader I, the battle force that Richthofen developed into a highly effective air weapon. The author, Peter Kilduff, makes extensive use of a wealth of carefully researched and verified documentation, as well as personal accounts by Manfred Von Richthofen not previously translated into English. Richthofen’s own Air Combat Operations Manual, completed shortly before his death in combat, is included in its entirety. Further richness and balance are assured by observations from Richthofen’s comrades and admirers, as well as from his enemies. These materials and a superb selection of photographs and maps combine to give the reader a comprehensive, first-hand view of "the Red Baron" and the open-cockpit fighting that he helped to develop during World War I. Peter Kilduff, who produced the first modern translation of the Richthofen memoirs in 1969, is an aviation historian of international stature. A recognized authority on German aviation history, he has six previous aviation books to his credit, has delivered university lectures on aviation history in Germany, has been editor of two major aviation journals and produced numerous articles for international magazines and anthologies. This new book is his most ambitious work to date and sets news standard in early aviation scholarship.

From Kirkus Reviews:

A meticulously researched biography that reclaims WW I's unchallenged ace of aces from the mists and myths of time. Drawing on previously unavailable archives (including his subject's personal papers) and standard references, historian Kilduff sheds new light not only on the short, violent life of Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen but also on the development of military aviation in imperial Germany during what once was called the Great War. A scion of the Prussian nobility, Richthofen was a 22-year-old cavalry officer when hostilities broke out between the Central Powers and the Allies. Transferring to the fledgling Air Service in search of action, he qualified as a pilot and joined a fighter squadron on the Western Front in the summer of 1916. By the time Richthofen was killed in a dogfight over the Somme on April 21, 1918, he had been credited with 80 victories in aerial combat against British and French foes. A hunter by heritage as well as inclination, the deadly young aviator had a flair for the dramatic (exemplified in the blood-red color of his planes) and a penchant for collecting trophies from the aircraft of downed victims. A national hero long before his death, Richthofen also proved an aggressive tactician and talented commander. Kilduff provides a wealth of perspectives on the so-called Red Baron (``a 20th-century man with 19th-century ideals''), at one point likening him to the Teutonic knights who rampaged through Medieval Europe. In another vein, the author makes a fine job of distinguishing among the capabilities of the open-cockpit ``crates'' that vied for control of the unfriendly skies--Albatrosses, Fokkers, Nieuports, Sopwiths, Spads, etc. A vivid, tellingly detailed account of a master airman and the convulsive conflict in which he made a name for himself. (Photos- -not seen) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0471120332
• ISBN 13: 9780471120339
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256