Tactics

[Droops]

Yes, I believe it was Kildruff's book which I read as well. The whole discussion of the incident left me with a bad taste in my mouth, as it seemed to me (MY opinion only!) that the author wanted greatly to create the situation where Richthofen had never been shot down in aerial combat. It smacks of the desire to elevate the legend getting in front of the facts.

I'm not an expert on bullet wounds, and while I saw the photograph of the cap in question I cannot comment on the direction of the bullet. About all I'm prepared to say, based on my limited knowledge, is that its unclear who fired the wounding bullet.

John

[Richard_Schrader]

John;
I think your being a bit unfair to Mr. Kildruff. I think he's the best authority on von Richthofen, and the German Air Service.
As far as wounds go, as a former homicide detective, I would have to agree that the wound came from the rear.
Richard

[Droops]

One of the first classes in college was on Greek and Roman history, and the professor (best I ever had) made a point of teaching us HOW to read history pieces and how to separate those which are written well and those which are not. Sometimes, its a matter of 'feel' as well as facts and argument.

I won't deny that Kildruff is an authority on Richthofen, but I will assert (again, my opinion) that his writing is somewhat biased towards Richthofen. This isn't a problem, we all have our favorite people/theories/ideas, as long as it doesn't interfere with a presentation and good analysis of the facts. In my opinion, the author's feelings for Richthofen cloud his assessment of the facts regarding this case.

This is not to say that I necessarily disagree with his conclusions, but simply don't trust his analysis due to other factors.

VBR,

John

[Vigilant]

Fred,

The leader of the Harry Tates fires a Very light indicating "close up" and starts back for the lines; the jasta-boys keep their distance above and behind the formation; the leader of the kette dives down for a boom and zoom; he gets severely tickled by 4 x Lewis fire and never pulls out of that dive; his squadron mates think better of it, spot the formation of Camels in the distance and head for home.

Unlikely! you may think, but if you read the accounts of RE8's in combat it's amazing how often they could discourage casual/roaming attackers even when outnumbered.

Vigilant

n/t

There's an Albatros D.Va sitting in the Australian War Memorial Collection as a result of a similar scenario to that being discussed here know. A well handled two-seater with a competent gunner is more than a match for a single seat scout.

If the two-seater formation hold their nerve the mutually supporting fire from a tight formation should convince the average pilot to go searching for someone who is 1. Less awake and 2. Alone.

[Ginger.]

Hardly cricket old man.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Richard and all:
While I respect Peter Kilduff, I don't believe he has degree in forensic science. he is expressing and opinion and should so state in his book. This is one of the things that I take offense with,"statements that are construed to be fact! " When I hypothesize in my writing I'll tell you. Too many of us tend to believe what we see in print. While I consider Peter Kildull knowledgable on MvR, there are others more so, Heinz Nowarra, Stewart Taylor, Floyd Gibbons ( who plowed the way).
blue skies,
Dan-San Abbott

[Barrett]

I'm too busy/lazy/whatever to look it up but no less a 2-seat stalker than McCudden could be stymied on occasion. After a prolonged cat & mouse game with a rumpler he gave up and returned to base, noting in his report, "This was an experienced crew and there was not a trick they didn't know."
That's smart poker--know when to leave the table rather than (sorta literally) "cash in your chips!"