What is your opinion of Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron?
He was scientific about air combat. Some hack writers (and historians) have tried to translate this into, “he was a mechanical pilot”; “not a great pilot” etc etc. Others, primarily British writers tried to make that into the “uncreative Hun”. What he really thought was fancy aerobatics don’t shoot down aircraft-good tactics, picking your time, great shooting and getting the hell out were the secret (still very true). Also, he institutionalized the idea of teamwork, while the Allies were still flying single-ship missions; and training (he had newbies assigned to his flight so he could keep an eye on them). AFA his injury, a Luftwaffe Surgeon General re-read his medical records, and using the criteria of 1917 tried to make a call as to his readiness to fly. His view was even at the time-he should’ve been permanently DNIF (Duty Not Including Flying). His bro’s noticed his mood swings etc, all indicative of brain injury-it no doubt affected his judgement on 21 Apr 1918. Finally, the hoopl
