Manfred von Richthofen

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (May 2, 1892 – April 21, 1918) was a German pilot and is still regarded today as the "ace of aces". He was a very successful fighter pilot, military leader and flying ace who won 80 air combats during World War I.

Early life

Born in Breslau, Silesia, Germany (now Wroc?aw, Poland), Richthofen moved with his family to Schweidnitz (now ?widnica, Poland), when he was 9 years old. In his youth, Richthofen enjoyed hunting and riding horses and joined the Uhlan regiment no. 1 – Kaiser Alexander III – as a cavalryman, after completing his cadet training, in 1911.

Related Topics:
Breslau - Silesia - Germany - Wroc?aw - Poland - ?widnica - Horse - Uhlan - Kaiser Alexander III - Cavalry - 1911

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When the First World War began, he was a cavalry officer and was engaged in duty on both Eastern and Western fronts, as a scout for the German army. Near May, 1915, Richthofen became bored with this duty and he asked to be transferred to the air service. He became an aircraft observer.

Related Topics:
First World War - 1915

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