On April 21, 1918, the famous German fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, widely known as the Red Baron, was killed during World War I. This is the subject of the book, The Day the Red Baron Died, published in New York by Bonanza Books in 1970, which is presented here. Written by Dale M. Titler Sr. (1926-2014), an aviation and military history writer, it provides a detailed account of Richthofen’s death, which occurred while he was engaged in a dogfight over the Somme River in France. He was ultimately brought down by a single bullet.
The exact circumstances of his death are disputed. It is widely believed that he was shot by Canadian pilot Arthur “Roy” Brown. However, some accounts suggest that the fatal shot may have come from anti-aircraft troops, as argued by Titler.
From the jacket of the book:
This is the most detailed and colorful biography of the many that have been written about Manfred von Richthofen—the famed ‘Red Baron,’ so named for the all-red triplane he flew and was flying the day he was shot out of the sky. As a documentary it is a story that evokes the romantic legend of the knight of the air, white silk scarf and all.
Ever since World War I the manner of death of Germany’s most famous ace has remained a controversy--until the publication of this book. The Day the Red Baron Died presents the facts that prove conclusively that von Richthofen was not shot down by a fighter but was brought down by ground fire.
This groundbreaking work shakes up old stories and enriches our understanding of one of aviation's most iconic legends.
Our copy of this book comes from our George Hardie Aviation and Aerospace History Collection.
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--Melissa, Special Collections Library Assistant
