Olham 164 Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeDixonUK 5 Posted January 26, 2012 Either that or Oberleutnant Reinhard was a very ambitious fellow who was good at forging handwriting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+elephant 36 Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) Come on Mike... Here is MvR last claim form, ( he claims two Camels) with his signature for comparison... Edited January 26, 2012 by elephant Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted January 26, 2012 Think it was just British humour, elephant. Here is MvR's 66. victory claim. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hasse Wind 46 Posted January 26, 2012 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DukeIronHand 8 Posted January 26, 2012 I was not aware that a photo of the famous "...in the event I do not return" note even existed. Nice find Olham! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites