By the spring of 1918, Manfred
von Richthofen had downed eighty Allied aircraft. It was Sunday,
21st April, 1918 when Richthofen led 15 Fokker and Albatros Scouts
against R.E. 8 reconnaissance aircraft of the Australian Flying
Corps. Coming upon the scene were Sopwith Camels from No. 209
Squadron.
W.R. May, on first sortie, left the battle on Brown's instructions.
Richthofen, who had been waiting for someone to withdraw from
the dogfight, went in hot pursuit of May. Brown followed, firing
at Richthofen. Brown saw his bullets rake the side of the Triplane.
He saw the pilot turn around, looking back, and then collapse
in his seat. The Red Baron crashed two miles inside British lines.
Signed by the artist.
(Some research indicates
that Richthofen may have been shot by an Australian infantryman.) |