Red Barron - the flying ace

The Red Barron is a flying ace par excellence. "Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen " popularly known as the Red Barron attained fame by downing as many as 80 enemy aircraft during the First World war. He has been portrayed as a villainous character in many literally works probably due to fighting for the Germans.

The nickname Red Barron originates from the fact that he flew a red colored plane and was actallly from royalty. The German title "Freiherr" roughly translated to the english title of "Barron". He is credited with coming up with "The Flying Circus", highly mobile and brightly colored aircraft which were useful in the Dog fights of the First world war.

Red Barron's Autobiography "The Red Battle Flyer" is anintresting read. The eight chapters of the book place before us the various stages of his life. It provides a view of the world war I throught the eyes of soldier who fought pretty well. His liking for sports and winning seems to have continued into the battlefield. It was all about winning trophies and not just the war.