Der Rittmeister's Dr-1...

30 May 2005, 11:38 AM

It's a sure bet that this one has been covered before... But whenever it was, I missed enjoying the thread...

I know that Der Rittmeister's Fokker was torn to pieces by those wanting souvenirs when he was brought down. And, in fact, have seen various fabric portions of his aircraft up for sale here or there over the past years...

But, does anyone know what happened to the lions share of the Fokker, i.e. the airframe? I would appreciate my peers guidance to the appropriate thread... and your inputs! Viele Dank!

"Prost!"

gipsymoth236k · 31 May 2005, 08:23 PM

I have a picture of the Dr.I rudder frame, less fabric, that was taken from 425/17. It is nailed to, and hanging on a wall, with a small sign attached describing the artifact. The top part is damaged, as it was when photographed shortly after it was recovered from the original wreckage photos. I'm not sure WHERE that rudder is today. Perhaps it is still buried somewhere in the IWM?

Regards,

Gary

5 June 2005, 09:47 AM

I appreciate the information, Gary, mein Freund... Do you have any idea (even rumors) where the remainder of the airframe may have gotten to?
I look forward to hearing from you.

"Prost!"

gipsymoth236k · 6 June 2005, 01:38 AM

Regarding 425/17's airframe parts, only the rudder have I found in a post-WWI photo as evidence of possible existence.

Regards,

Gary

7 June 2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Regarding 425/17's airframe parts, only the rudder have I found in a post-WWI photo as evidence of possible existence.

Now there's a great mystery!... Like finding the coffin of Sir. Francis Drake!

"Where is Der Rittmeister's Dr-I?"... The truth is out there!

"Prost!"

Dan_San_Abbott · 7 June 2005, 05:18 PM

VonReichel:
I have read that what remained after the scavengers got through was dumped in the No.3 Squadron (R.E.8) junk yard.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

7 June 2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

(By Dan_San_Abbott) VonReichel:
I have read that what remained after the scavengers got through was dumped in the No.3 Squadron (R.E.8) junk yard.Blue skies,
Dan-San

"Mein Gott!!!"

They may just as well have thrown away gold bullion!!! Didn't those idiots have any idea as to what they were doing?

Thank you, mein Freund... Depressing, but thank you.

"Prost!"

Dan_San_Abbott · 7 June 2005, 06:06 PM

VonReichel:
Those Aussies should have waited 80 years and put it on E-Bay!
They would have made a fortune. Where are the two Machine Guns? About a $1,000,000 ???
Blue skies,
Dan-San

PETERn · 8 June 2005, 05:11 PM

pity about the fuselage but the control column is in Canberra:

http://www.awm.gov.au/1918/people/rbaron.htm

if they ever sold it I imagine it would be worth a few bob.

PETERn · 8 June 2005, 05:18 PM

you can purchase a 4 minute b&w film from them of:

"Incidents in connection with the funeral of Captain Baron

Manfred von Richthofen, Germany's leading airman killed on 21 April 1918 aged 25. Wreckage of the Baron's Fokker DR1 is examined by members of No. 3 Squadron AFC. On 22 April No. 3 Squadron AFC buried von Richthofen with full military honours at Bertangles cemetery."

link