Death of the Red Baron

Manfred von Richthofen, the "Red Baron", was killed on this day in 1918, aged only 25. He was credited with 80 air victories, the most among World War I pilots. He was fatally wounded as he chased a Sopwith Camel flown by a Canadian pilot. Richthofen's death was at first credited to another Canadian pilot, pursuing from behind. That pilot modestly only ever claimed to have fired at a red triplane. Through eyewitness accounts and analysis of the angle of the Baron's wound, researchers have determined that he died from ground fire from an Australian anti-aircraft gunner. There is speculation that a previous head wound, or perhaps combat stress impaired the usually careful Richthofen's judgment in engaging in an air battle over a risky area. On the other hand, the changing areas of the western front in April 1918 made military intelligence difficult to gather and relay. 

I have a book, "Who Killed the Red Baron?" (1969), in which the author investigates the circumstances of his death: fascinating though sad reading. Another book that I enjoyed when I was in junior high: "The Red Knight of Germany. The Story of Baron von Richthofen, Germany's Great War Bird" (1927). I checked it out of Vandalia's library several times! I also enjoyed putting together models of World War I planes. At the time, Vandalia had a lovely little hobby shop, on North Sixth Street just south of Orchard.