Richthofen: The Red Knight of the Air (Fortunes of War)

The name of the legendary Freiherr Manfred von Richthofen – the ‘Red Baron’ – still lives on. At a time when aviation was in its infancy and the ancient tradition of martial chivalry was in its final decline, when warfare on land had become a human hell and only the skies remained for nobility in combat, he was a symbol of honor and deadly skill.

 

Even in death Richthofen has created a myth not least in the way he met his final end. Many stories have been written concerning this event with a number of people claiming the credit for shooting him down. Extensive research has amassed convincing evidence that should provide the final word.

 

This is the superbly, indelibly thrilling story of the ‘Knight of the Air’ – the man he was, the life he led, the kills he made, the strange controversial fate he met, and the legend he has left for all time.