Manfred von Richthofen by Tim Hillier-Graves

Author:Tim Hillier-Graves
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Aviation & Nautical
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

Manfred had the war to distract him, his mother had nothing but gnawing worries to fill her days. In the event both showed courage, stoicism and fortitude in the face of these horrors, as did millions of others on both sides of the line. They may have questioned the legitimacy of continuing the war, but they still did their duty as best they could. In Manfred’s case it had an added dimension because he would soon take on the mantle so bravely worn by Boelcke. Being selected to carry his medals at the funeral, almost as chief mourner, probably indicated that Boelcke’s crown had now passed to the apprentice.

One wonders whether von Richthofen, whose fighting spirit was second to none, and who had begun to demonstrate leadership qualities, was deliberately chosen to fulfil this role? If so, it was a very astute move on a number of levels. He was an ace, who seemed likely to go on to even greater success, if he survived. He was a nobleman with some charisma who cut an attractive figure. He was a seemingly fearless fighter determined to pursue his country’s cause no matter what the consequences. All in all, he was ideal material for Ludendorff’s public relations team to knead into shape.

Consciously or unconsciously, von Richthofen was soon drawn into this world, as his score and reputation grew. One can only assume that he did not realise where this path would take him or understand the added stress he would have to bear as a result. It may also have been the case that the propaganda department little knew the monster they were creating. As the war went from bad to worse, and the privations increased exponentially, a man such as von Richthofen was valued ‘above rubies’. Albeit, one that might be killed at any moment, destroying the hopes and dreams of many in the process.

With the loss of Boelcke, and many other pilots in the first few weeks of its existence, Jasta 2’s personnel were changing constantly. Very quickly Stefan Kirmaier was promoted to Oberleutnant and placed in command, successfully leading the squadron until killed in November having brought down eleven enemy aircraft. His going left a gap that was temporarily filled by the Jasta’s non-flying chief administrative officer, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinrich Bodenschatz, a man who would soon become an important figure in Manfred’s life. While this happened it was necessary for a senior pilot to oversee operational matters and, it seems, von Richthofen fulfilled this role until a permanent replacement was found. This proved to be Oberleutnant Franz Walz, a pre-war aviator who, when flying twoseater reconnaissance aircraft, had been credited with six victories. Having just overseen the creation of Jasta 19, he was thought to be a sound replacement for Kirmaier. However, he seems to have lacked the fighting spirit of his two predecessors or von Richthofen for that matter.

At this stage it is important to introduce Bodenschatz, who was born during December 1890 at Rehau, Bavaria. Like von Richthofen

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