From cavalry to the Air Service
Richthofen began as a cavalryman. After being noticed by Oswald Boelcke, he transferred to the Air Service in 1915 and joined Jagdstaffel 2 in 1916.
Literature
Manfred von Richthofen
Known as the Red Baron, he was a leading German fighter pilot of World War I and was officially credited with 80 air combat victories.
Manfred von Richthofen was a German fighter pilot known for his scarlet aircraft. Originally a cavalryman, he transferred to the Air Service in 1915 and later commanded the fighter wing Jagdgeschwader I. He was shot down and killed over France in 1918. He is buried at Berlin’s Invalidenfriedhof.
Worth knowing
Commander of fighter units
In 1917, Richthofen became the leader of Jasta 11 and later commanded the larger Jagdgeschwader I. He was officially credited with 80 air combat victories.
The Flying Circus
Jagdgeschwader I became known as the “Flying Circus” or “Richthofen’s Circus,” a nickname associated with its brightly coloured aircraft and frequent transfers between operational areas. Its aircraft travelled on railway flatcars, and the unit often used tents at improvised airfields.
Buried in Berlin
Richthofen is buried at the Invalidenfriedhof in Berlin. He died near Vaux-sur-Somme in France on 21 April 1918.
Addresses you can still visit
Every place in this city with a documented tie to this person.
Burial place
Invalidenfriedhof: Berlin Wall Remains
The First World War pilot known as the Red Baron is buried in the cemetery.
Follow the story on foot
These addresses are scattered across the city. Our routes and quests put them in an order that works.