Interesting photo of the Red Baron's triplane not too long after it landed. I understand the
motor and machine guns were saved and went to the UK. Seem to recall that there was another Red Baron triplane that was saved in Germany but lost during WW2.
Also do not think it was all red in color
I believe he was shot down by the Australian gunners using the Lewis m/g
My great Uncle was shot down and killed by one of the members of Jagdstaffel 11 on 13 April 1917, a scant 5 days before Richtofen's death. He was an observer in one of the six R.E.8s from No. 59 Squadron RFC sent on a long range photo reconnaissance mission. The R.E.8s missed their intended escorts, and were met by the picked fighter pilots of Jasta 11, who shot them all down within five minutes.
Tired of hearing about the man myself. He was a trophy-hunting sniper who specialized in picking off the inexperienced and careless while his supporters held off the rest. Never crossed our lines if he could avoid it.
Quite a different mentality from what prevailed in the RFC and your great uncle's flight being a perfect example Sapper: they didn't turn back because of a lack of escorts though they must have known the risks. Some might argue they should have turned back, but that wasn't the spirit of the time and place.
And in case anyone's forgotten Canadians made up about a third of the pilots in the RFC by 1918 and most of the top aces. Then there was Collishaw and the RNAS Black Flight etc.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
. Seem to recall that there was another Red Baron triplane that was saved in Germany
PM
Canadians made up about a third of the pilots in the RFC by 1918 and most of the top aces. Then there was Collishaw and the RNAS Black Flight etc.
