COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - History books say that The Red Baron, the legendary World War I German flying ace, was shot out of the sky and died in April 1918. But new research suggests that his death spiral may have begun nine months earlier.
A University of Missouri at Columbia researcher and his Ohio collaborator argue a severe injury to Manfred von Richthofen's brain during an earlier aerial confrontation figured in his death.
``He was a very reserved character all his life, but he is described as much more immature after the injury, and we have found that is common with this type of brain injury,'' Missouri's Daniel Orme said Tuesday.
During his final, fatal dogfight, von Richthofen was seen pursuing a fleeing plane across enemy fire in an uncharacteristic display of ``target fixation.'' The pursuit broke Richthofen's own rule to ``never obstinately stay with an opponent,'' said Orme.
Orme collaborated with fellow neuropsychologist Tom Hyatt of Cincinnati for a fresh take on what led to the Red Baron's death on April 21, 1918, when he was shot through the chest and crashed.
They focused on a July 6, 1917, incident in which von Richthofen was flying head-on toward an enemy plane's machine gunner at a distance where he was sure he couldn't be hit. ``Suddenly something struck me in the head,'' he recalled. A bullet creased Richthofen's scalp, leaving a four-inch scar that never completely healed.
After that, von Richthofen, the son of Prussian nobility who would have glowered at a soldier's unbuttoned tunic, began exhibiting odd behavior, such as laying his head on a Berlin restaurant table to publicly display the open head wound to a friend's mother.
His mother, Baroness von Richthofen, wrote that after the injury, ``something painful lay 'round the eyes and temples'' of her son.
``I found Manfred changed ... the high spirits, the playfulness, were lacking in his character - he was taciturn, almost unapproachable - even his words seemed to come from an unknown distance,'' she wrote.
After subsequent flights, Richthofen had to lie down to fight off nausea and severe headaches. Richthofen wrote: ``I am in wretched spirits after every aerial combat but that is surely one of the consequences of my head wound.''
Hyatt was watching a documentary about the Red Baron, and became fascinated with the head injury. ``The film clearly showed him in hospital with a large head bandage, and to me, it began explaining his later behavior that led to his death,'' he said.
Orme and Hyatt began sifting journals, medical records and books about the Red Baron's symptoms in the months before his death. Their findings are to be published this fall in the international journal Human Factors and Aerospace Safety.
For Orme and Hyatt, research on the Red Baron's case fit a shared professional specialty. Both are retired from the Air Force, where their duties included studying whether brain-injured pilots should be allowed back into the air.
``We have evaluated many head-injured patients, and the description of the Red Baron's actions and behavior are just classic for what is called post-concussive syndrome,'' Orme said.
``In combat, the environment is very austere and the individual has to act quickly and make critical decisions, and he just lost the capacity to incorporate all that data quickly and make solid judgments. He didn't have the mental flexibility to realize he shouldn't pursue that plane.''
There is still debate about who fired the shot that fatally pierced Richthofen's chest - an Australian artillery crew on the ground, or a Canadian flier, Roy Brown.
But Orme and Hyatt say the shot fired nine months earlier, by British flier A.E. Wooldridge, set the Red Baron on a fatal course because of the brain injury.
``It was a pretty serious hit,'' Hyatt said. ``As a neuropsychologist, I always get irritated when Hollywood movies depict someone being hit in the head, falling down, then shaking their head and all is fine. That isn't how it works, and the Red Baron's case shows those long-lasting effects.''

I watched a special not long ago which laid to rest the 'debate' about who fired the shot. It was the Australian gunner (not sure of the name - maybe Patterson - I'll check).

The autopsy notes, which have been studied by two pathologists, reported the bullet entering his chest at a point "UNDER HIS RIGHT ARMPIT, EXITING THROUGH THE LEFT NIPPLE" - almost a sideays shot (impossible from behind, given he was strapped tightly into the cockpit)

It was also a log distance shot - in excess of 600 metres, proven by the lack of 'concussive' damage to the tissue - closer range shots tend to leave far more concussive damage around the path of the projectile. Evidence also by the fact that the bullet was found inside the barons tunic. A close range shot from such a weapon would probably passed right through two people.

Roy Brown was always very taciturn (almost embarrassed, by accounts) when pressed for accounts of the action. He does admit firing (from directly behind) but never ever admitted that he felt he fired the fatal shot. Records have since indicated that he may well have been 'pressed' into the unofficial claim by superiors, (he never officially claimed the kill!!) which of course, is no shame on the man's part.

Richtofen's plane was seen to lurch upward and stall and then to land, in a very unstable and haphazard manner. This is consistent with accounts from Pathologists who suggest that such a wound as suffered by him, would leave a person between 30 secouds and 3 minutes life.

The first to the scene (an Australian gunner - NOT the one who fired from a position about half a kilometer to the right of the landing spot, who has been now OFFICIALLY credited with the kill), reported that when he arrived at the plane, the pilot looked at him, uttered something in German and died.

I thought this had been published world-wide about 12 months ago, in order to end the speculation, but obviously not.

Anyway, that's the 'up-to-date' as I know it.........

He was also apparently on his LAST sortie. He wasn't even supposed to be flying. His mother had been pressing the Kaiser for months to have him 'retired' as he had been clearly suffering from fatigue (and probably some effects of the injury mentioned). The orders for his official grounding had come through the day before he died. He decided to fly anyway.

The story, as told by the fellow he was chasing (lucky bigger):

He was on his second patrol and had been told not to engage the enemy, under any circumstances, by Brown. He was to "shy off".
He saw a Fokker away from the main 'throng" of about 18 planes and stupidly decided to have a go at it. It is reported to have been Richtofens Nephew, who was flying with him that day. He was away from the rest because he had been told the same thing as the other bloke, by Richtofen - just watch!!!
As he closed on the Fokker, Richtofen saw his Nephew may be in trouble so he gave chase. Brown susequently saw his 'charge' being pursued by the 'Red' tri-plane' whom he knew must be Richtofen.
As Richofen pursued his 81st victory ('to be'), he either didn't realise that he was overflying enemy lines (against his own dictum) or he had some sort of judgmental lapse. He must have been also, as stated, somewhat fixated on the Camel, which the young flyer was able to keep ahead of Richtofen, not through experience but luckily, simply by the superior speed of his machine.
Brown reports to have taken some 'potshots' from some distance, but he confirmed the Australian ground troops's account that the plane suddenly lurched upward and stalled and came into a field in a very rough landing.
Three Australian machine gun units on the ridge (which was roughly at eye-level with the passing planes) reported firing at the Red Fokker, in order to help the British pilot that was being pursued. They report Browns plane so far behind as to be 'not in the hunt'. The only machine which could possibly be in a position to inflict the wound as described, was that manned by the bloke whose name escapes me (maybe Paterson as I said)

Richofens 'outer' flying boots (made of Reindeer skin and probably obtained from a British 'opponent'), part of the joystick column and one of the Maltese crosses from his wing fabric are in the Australian War Memorial Museum, having been souveneired by Australian troops at the scene.

Another thing that annoys me a little about this 'general area' of history is the name  "Flying Circus".

I have read so many accounts that state incorrectly that they were so named because of the 'brightly coloured planes'. Also, again incorrectly, there was only one 'Flying Circus' (that of the Red Baron).

In fact, there were several. They were squadrons of planes that travelled up and down the front, wherever they were needed, on the back of trucks, like a Circus.
It was, at that time, the quickest way to get the planes from one point to another, with all their pilots, mechanics and spare parts etc.

Germany didn't have anywhere near the number of plane that the Allies had at that stage of the war, so they needed to go to the areas of the front where they were most needed, in this fashion. Hence, 'Flying Circus'.

Again, I agree Hagar, and of course, it doesn't really matter. Many people, including the Baron himself, played a part in his 'undoing'.

Although, I thought it was pertinent to bring up the recent doco I saw, in light if the fact that it, according to all reports, is as accurate and based in scientific fact and evidence as can be.

I was especially impressed with the fact that they were able to find original autopsy results which were (given the circumstances of war in general) so detailed.

I imagine that they are as such because of the Barons notoriety. But just the same, to have physicians go into such detail about a war wound during an autopsy (which in itself is unusual) in WWI is obviously exceptional. 

The fact that this evidence has always been available but was never studied in the 'correct light' I suppose is evidence of our species tendency to 'let sleeping dogs lie'.

I suppose, for the sake of the Baron, at the time at least, it was more 'fitting' and 'proper' that he be brought down by a fellow 'Knight'. This I imagine, would have been a consideration when figuring what to say in the 'official accounts'.

Here is a transcript of the Nova Doco that I saw, which is the major source for the account I give of Richtofens death:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3011_redbaron.html
It's a long read (a whole Doco text), but very interesting in so far as it goes into the Barons emotional state and 'fatalistic' leanings at the time etc.

It contains mention of what I have also read elsewhere regarding the name "Flying Circus", and the way in which they travelled the Front because of the Allie's superior numbers:
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Of course, Hagar, as we've discussed on many occasions, just because someone says it in a Doco or someone writes it in a book, doesn't make it so. But I have read similar explanations as to the origin of the "Flying Circus" nomenclature. I also find it more feasible than naming a whole lot of "Jatsas" flying Circus's, because one of them painted their planes in bright colours.  

I remember there was also a "Christmas" release of a sequel to the 'Snoopy and the Red Baron" song. It was called "Snoopy's Christmas". I don't know if it was released in the U.S. but I'd say it was in the UK.

As for the autopsy, I was as surprised as you, when I first saw the doco, that an autopsy had even been done. As you say, there is really no need for an autopsy when an enemy is shot and killed in battle. I can only imagine it was because of the Baron's 'celebrity' and possibly because of the fact that there was, even from the onset, confusion as to who made the kill.

I agree completely about the 'serviceable aircraft'. It would be silly to do otherwise, as you say.
No, I was referring to the 'Unit' as a whole, of which as you know, only a small part is the Planes themselves. So, the discussion. as such is moot...........at least in that regard. 

I realise it was the whole squadron that painted their planes. (I'm not sure if other Jatstas di, but all of Richtofen's were brightly painted at the time).

As for the actual 'coining' of the name by whom and when, I haven't read (or at least don't recall) anything about that specific.
I imagine it was coined by Historians or some kind of 'onlooker' well after the fact. I don't evn know if it was used during the War. I know the 'Red Baron' was not called so when he lived, at least according to what I've read.

I'm sure you're right when you infer that it was coined by an 'English' person. I don't think the German would have the same effect, if you like.

It's just I've read so many accounts which attribute the name to the 'travelling by road (except serviceable aircraft)', 'pitching tents' and 'camping in field's etc, that it must have some basis in fact.
Of course, your interpretation of how it came about makes as much sense, and I must admit, I have read, albeit many fewer, accounts that the 'weird' paintjobs also made the 'outfit' remsemble a 'Flying Circus'.

I suppose we'll just have to 'agree to disagree'. I can do that you know......

Thanks mate.......

The air war of WWI has always really interested me (I actually consider myself a "buff" on the subject)-I think because of the primative nature of it and that it had a somewhat romantic appearance to it.  But, as a result I have done a lot of research about the war in the air and know some rather interesting things about Manfred von Richthofen.  When people thing of the famous/infamous "Red Baron" they invision a blood red Triplane maneuvering against Sopwith Camels and Neuport fighter aircraft in the legendary "dogfight" style of combat.  The actual facts are the von Richthofen spent the majority of his time flying Albatros biplane fighters (specifically the D.III and D.V models) and most wern't painted completely red.  Also, the vast majority of his "kills" were not against other fighters in "dogfights" but againest larger less maneuverable observation and bomber aircraft which had considerable blindspots where a veteran pilot could maneuver into and unload on it.  All of these facts are in contrast of the common beliefs about him.

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You know, thats probably a very true statement.  I feel that these types of media have contributed to the legend of the Red Baron.  I feel that most people view him as a kind of folk hero, the same way people view Davey Crocket-as some grand and noble person (when in actuality Davey Crocket was far from it).  Once again, this is an example of a form of media that took a historical figure and made up a fictional story about him.  He was probably chosen not only because he was the highest "scoring" ace of the war, but because he did young and in a somewhat mysterious way.  Plus, he had a signature aircraft which everyone knew him buy (eventhough he didn't fly the red triplane that often) and he was of a royal family.  All of these things probably made him attractive and over time with the help of outside media made him a folk hero.

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I think there are a number of factors that contribute to his fame.  First off all, he fought in the first war where aircraft played a visible role (I won't say important role, because they really wern't that important) and he was the highest scoring ace of the war (although there is some evidence that a French ace named Rene Fonck may have had more kills).  He was a young and handsome man from a royal family who went off to war to fight for his country and was highly decorated for it.  In the end, he died a mysterious death in his famous triplane aircraft. 

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That maybe true, but you also have to remember that that was so long ago.  I'll bet most people couldn't name more than one or two aces from WWII either except for those who are interested in such things.  In my case, I could name a bunch of WWI aces-many more from WWI than I could from WWII.  Just for example off the top of my head: Lother von Richthofen (Manfred's younger brother), Max Immelmann, Albert Ball, Oswald Bolcke (the man who trained a young pilot named Manfred von Richthofen), Eddie Richekbacker, and Frank Luke just to name a few (in no particular order).  I think there are more people out there that know about these people than it seems.  Many people are interested in this subject.   

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The German media of the time made him up to be a cult-like hero, so the "legend" was very much alive then, and since then, has needed only a little "nudging".

We always seem to expect our heroes to be nice people & disappointed when we find out that they don't live up to our expectations. Nobody said that a successful fighter pilot has to have a genial personality & very often the best ones were outcasts or misfits. They were obsessed with their job which was to shoot down as many of the enemy as possible. This usually involved creeping up behind them & blasting them out of the sky before their victims knew they were there. Typical hunting tactics & nothing like the romantic aerial chivalry of legend. I found this description of Captain Albert Ball VC, MC & Croix de Guerre - the British WWI ace. Ball was a loner & didn't mix easily with his squadron mates. He preferred to hunt alone & often went off on his own early morning or evening missions. He was just 20 years old when he died in combat in May 1917.
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Oh, it was very far from romantic-but thats how it is percieved today and when I was very young, thats how I thought of it (and how my original interest was originally created).  If I remember right, the only people who were allowed to have parachutes were the operators of observation ballons (since they really couldn't defend themselves).  The thought of not allowing pilots to have parachutes always bothered me, but I suppose it seemed like the right idea at the time.   

I wasn't aware that pilots carred pistols to use on themselves if their plane caught fire-I guess I learn something new everyday, but it doesn't supprise me.  The only things I had heard about was pilots jumping out of their planes and falling to their death instead of burning.  An American ace who volunteered and joined with the French early in the war (Raoul Lufbery) met a simular end.  His Nieuport fighter caught on fire and witness saw him jump from his plane (trying to land in a nearby river as his altitude wasn't very high)-unforunately he missed the river and was killed when he hit the ground.

I have read that the pilots llife expectancy was measured in days not weeks.  But, this is not only attributed to aireal combat.  During WWI, many were killed due to accidents and structural failure due to bad design.  I have read different statsticts on this and some say that as many people were killed  by accidents and alike than were killed in combat (I don't know if I believe that is true) but there were many more accidents that most people realize.

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In a book I have titled Aces High by Alan Clark (a good book with lots of picutres  ) which has a lot of interesting information about the aces.  It has a quote by von Richthofen which I thought showed his true feeling about aireal combat, he stated that "When I have shot down an Englishman my hunting passion is satisfied for a quarter of an hour."  To me, this shows that he looked at if as he was hunting an animal. 

He also went souvenir hunting after he had shot down the a plane.  Really, the only notable kill he ever had was when he shot doen a British ace named Lanoe Hawker early in the war (von Richthofen flying a Albatros D.II and Hawker flying a DH.2-I wonder who had the advantage   ).  Anyway, this was the first plane he got one of these "souvenirs" from, he went out and found the wreck and took the machine gun from it and hung it above his door.  He claimed he did it because of the great fight Hawker put up (like if it was sport) but I think it was just a trophy.  Here is a photo of his living quarters (out of the same book).  Notice the serial numbers from planes on the wall and the light.


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Yeah, I think I chose the wrong word to discribe his status.  I was looking for for a more noble meaning than royality.  But, I do agree that most people in the United States think he was the son of the king or something simular.   

Well, this is becoming a fun discussion.  I look forward to discussing this more...but if I don't leave now I'll be late for my first day of school.   

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I stand corrected.....

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Thanks Richie. I missed that. As I mentioned earlier it's been a long time.

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I wouldn't have expected otherwise. Bader was a product of the pre-WWII regular RAF officer corps. Things were very different in those days & as a callow youth I was expected to know my place. Even in the early 60s Britain was riddled with class distinction* & there were many more like him. One that springs to mind is Raymond Baxter, the ex-Spitfire pilot who went on to become a famous TV presenter. I won't tell you what I thought of him & his superior attitude. I met many very interesting people in the aviation world at the time & some were extremely friendly & pleasant. I had a lot more respect for them.

*PS. I think this is something that many historians (& students) tend to forget. These events are usually presented from a modern perspective when attitudes & lifestyles were quite different, even a few decades ago. Knowing what life was like for people at the time is very important. IMHO

We seem to have strayed a little off-topic.
I have no wish to do a demolition job on Douglas Bader's reputation. Whatever I or anyone else might think of him he was obviously a very brave & determined man. I think the public impression of him has more to do with Kenneth More's brilliant & sympathetic portrayal of him in the film "Reach for the Sky" (which Bader himself heartily approved of) than what he was really like. This does go to prove my point that the media is often responsible for creating these legends.

Speaking of legends, I had the honour of meeting my boyhood hero Squadron Leader Neville Duke quite recently. Now in his 80s he's just as I always imagined him, a true officer & Gentleman with a capital G. http://www.gapan.org/committees/trophies/02aoh.htm