Richthofen's Halberstadt D-11 markings

Southside Bucky · 24 February 2006, 06:12 PM

Hi Stephen.

He (Ferko) actually say's:

"In the background is seen a Halberstadt D which may have been flown by von Richthofen in the Homeland".

There's also another photo on the same page, taken on the same day, which shows MvR standing next to an Albatros DI, or DII (only the tailplane is visible). Wouldn't it be just as valid to say the Albatros was his?

I know what I would have prefered to fly if I were him!

Regards.

Bucky.

StephenLawson · 24 February 2006, 06:33 PM

You can say what you want. Ferko said it backed with documentation. Until we have better info I'm going with Ferko. So it appears that there is documentation available. Also we do have a list of Halberstadt fighters assigned to Jasta 11 at the time.

Southside Bucky · 24 February 2006, 06:48 PM

Yeah, I'm going with Ferko too! He said he may have flown it. I quoted him verbatim.

Re: The Jasta 11 plane allocation list:

Which of those Halberstadt's have been documented as having been flown by MvR? That's the question TeeKay asked.

Regards.

Bucky.

StephenLawson · 24 February 2006, 07:12 PM

1. With that in mind we have to go where? Ritt. von Richthofen's combat logs.
2. Do we know that they exist? Yes they do. At least some of them.
3. Where are they? In the UK.
4. Do they list the Halberstadt by serial that MvR flew? No.
5. Who compiled the information that we have on these combat reports?
Paul S. Leaman and Nick Hauprich.
6. Where are the serials of the Halberstadt D.II aircraft assigned to Jasta 11?
"Richthofen" by A.E. Ferko.

Southside Bucky · 24 February 2006, 07:26 PM

Well, there appears to be only one definite DII listed: 107/16. Are we going to tell TeeKay that was MvR's?

I suppose you could stick that number on your model TeeKay. Who's gonna say it's definitely wrong?

Regards.

Bucky.

StephenLawson · 24 February 2006, 07:32 PM

There is also C&C USA Vol. 10 #2, p.106.

Southside Bucky · 24 February 2006, 07:34 PM

What's in there then?

Dan_San_Abbott · 25 February 2006, 01:21 PM

Gentlemen;
Commencing with MvR's 17 claim dated January 1917 and up to his 52cd combat report dated 29 April 1917 he does not list either the type of aircraft he was flying or his unit (Jasta 11). Beginning with his 53rd combat report, he list his aircraft, Alb.D.III 789.
Beginning with his 61th victory, combat report lists Pursuit Squadron 1 in the heading.
My personal opinion is these "combat reports" are phony.
There is no mention of the Halb.D.II. With what information we have, "Richthofen" by Ed Ferko, I think I would have accept that the Halb D.II pictured on page 14 as his Halb.D.II. However it can't be Halb.D.II 107/16!
All of the March (D.100-111/16) and possibly the May 1916 orders (D.115-138/16) were delivered as clear doped and varnished. The late production of the May order were possibly camouflaged in dark green and rust brown.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

StephenLawson · 25 February 2006, 03:22 PM

Thats why the camouflaged version is thought to be the one he flew home to Breslau in May 1917. I was going to let them do a bit of digging, Dan. but now we have the information that is available. There you are.

The mention of the Halbersdtadt comes from MvR's own uh...geist schrift bio. Since it was probabluy CDL you think he had any portion of it painted red? Ok short answer...we don't know. But there was a Halberstadt D.II fighter at his disposal and he evidently used it successfully on Feb. 1, 1917.

Thomas Kepple · 26 February 2006, 06:33 AM

Steven...Dan San, This information is great. But now it raises another question. Am I to assume M.v.R. flew an "uncamouflaged" Halberstadt D.II, on March 17th, 1917 in his victory over a F.E.2b.? Would like to get this one right, or as close to right as possible, for an upcoming painting. Much thanks, TeeKay.