Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, was also known as Baron von Richthofen. My kids have been listening to the Royal Guardsmen CD which features a song titled “Snoopy and the Red Baron.” So I just had to find out about the Baron.

Manfred was born May 2 1892 in Kleinburg,Prussia (which is now part of Poland) into an aristocratic family. He started his military training when he was only 11 years old. He finished his training in 1911 and joined a cavalry unit. When World War I began, Manfred was a reconnaissance officer on horseback, but due to machine gun fire and barbed wire this type of reconnaissance became impossible. He requested a transfer to the Imperial German Army Air Service and it was granted in May 1915.

At first, Manfred was an observer on missions, but in October 1915, was trained as a pilot. He won his first victory in September 1916. After his first victory, he had a silver cup engraved with the date and type of enemy plane (or machine). He did this until he had 60 cups. After that silver was in such short supply in Germany that he couldn’t continue with the tradition. His nickname “The Red Baron” came from the color of his plane.

His success was due in part to his superb marksmanship and the fact that he was great squadron leader and tactician. He received a head wound in one battle, but was able to land the plane. After this incident he often suffered from headaches. He refused to take a desk job, however and on April 21, 1918 he had his final combat.

Manfred was pursing a Sopwith Camel piloted by Canadian Lieutenant Wilfrid “Wop” May of No. 209 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Manfred was in turn, attacked by a Camel piloted by Canadian Captain Arthur “Roy” Brown. It is believed that Manfred was hit by a bullet that caused damage to his heart and lungs, however he was able to make a controlled landing in a nearby field. When soldiers reached the plane, Manfred died a few moments later.

It was first believed that Brown killed The Baron, but later studies show that the shot must have come from ground. The Baron’s victories number at least 80 and could be as high as 100.

Here is the song my kids love!