Richthofen: Beyond the Legend of the Red Baron - Hardcover

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.

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.