Manfred von Richthofen's Legacy

[+Olham]

This is Manfred von Richthofen's note he had written for the case, that he would not return from a sortie.

It is written in large letters, like quickly drawn. It is also very short.

I wonder, if he wrote it, cause he felt "the shaves got closer and closer" - or simply as a pragmatic mind?

Anyway - 42 days later he should fall.

The note reads:

 

Am 10. III. 18

 

Sollte ich nicht zurückkom-

men, so soll Oblt. Reinhard (Jasta 6)

die Führung des Geschwaders über-

nehmen.

Frhr. v. Richthofen

Rittmeister

 

In English:

On 10. III. 18 (10 March 1918)

 

If I should not return, then Oblt. (Oberleutnant) Reinhard (Jasta 6)

shall take up the command of the Geschwader (wing).

Frhr. (Freiherr) v. Richthofen

Rittmeister

 

 

Edited January 26, 2012 by Olham

[MikeDixonUK]

Either that or Oberleutnant Reinhard was a very ambitious fellow who was good at forging handwriting.

[+elephant]

Come on Mike...

Here is MvR last claim form, ( he claims two Camels) with his signature for comparison...

 

 

Edited January 26, 2012 by elephant

[+Olham]

Think it was just British humour, elephant. Here is MvR's 66. victory claim.

 

 

[+Hasse Wind]

Hmm, sounds like a conspiracy theory. Did Oberleutnant Reinhard plan von Richthofen's demise? Time to put your tin foil hats on!

 

Seriously speaking, that's a rare document to have survived for so long.

[DukeIronHand]

I was not aware that a photo of the famous "...in the event I do not return" note even existed.

 

Nice find Olham!