Could the man on the left be Lothar v. Richthofen???

[Ritterton]

Hey folks -

On the Wings of War Aerodrome site, Wings of War Aerodrome, I also posted up some of my pictures that I have posted here under the title of "Inspiration..."

This was one of the first cards that I acquired and first that I posted to this great site. Well, I got a private note today asking if it could be possible that the pilot on the left could be Lothar v. Richthofen. I said this is something that I would ask here as a possibile hypothesis to explore.

http://www.frontflieger.de/ricma/1917_06_mit_lothar.jpg

So, not sure, but thought I would toss it out there.

Flamingo identified the plane as an LVG B.I that would have been in use through end of 1915 and that the picture probably is from the Spring of 1914 through Summer 1915.

Southside Buckey identified this plane as an LVG C.I

Interestingly, Lothar would not have earned his EK in that time period:

Frontflieger - Lothar Freiherr von Richthofen 1894 - 1922

He had earned a EK 2nd earlier...hmh...

So - Lothar experts....your thoughts on this hypothesis? You won't hurt my feelings just trying to turn to the experts!

Thanks in advance?

R

[VtwinVince]

The man does bear some resemblance to Richthofen, but I would assume that this postcard was produced early in the war, when winning the Iron Cross was still something of a novelty, as can be ascertained from the inscription on the card.

[Gregvan]

Hi There,

Sorry, but he doesn't look like Lothar to me. I also believe this postcard was produced too early in the war for this to be Lothar...

Greg

[rainbase]

The second guy from the left looks just like Bodenschatz (well, the Bodenschatz from the Red Baron Movie!)

[MicroSculpt]

Greetings, everyone!

I agree with GVW. It doesn't quite look like LVR. Similar, but not the same.

Did anyone notice the pup tucked under his arm?

Tom

[Ritterton]

Originally Posted by MicroSculpt

Greetings, everyone!

Did anyone notice the pup tucked under his arm?

Tom

Tom - I was also going to ask if anyone could identify the dog...thinking that maybe that would help identify the pilot?

Well, regardless of who these guys are - it's a great early picture. Will keep trying and hoping that someone recognizes these four!

Thanks folks!

R

[GMU]

No, it is not Lothar.

Feld-Flieger Abteilung 3b in front of L.V.G. B.1.

These are Bavarian officers.

The two guys on the left are observers. The two guys on the right are their pilots.

From Left to Right:

Hauptman Stadelmeyer, Oberleut. König, von Hailer and Schlemmer.

Curiously, von Hailer wears the Prussian Pilot's Badge.

Brave men who fought for their country. Let's not forget their names.

George

.

[Ritterton]

Originally Posted by GMU

No, it is not Lothar.

Feld-Flieger Abteilung 3b in front of L.V.G. B.1.

These are Bavarian officers.

The two guys on the left are observers. The two guys on the right are their pilots.

From Left to Right:

Hauptman Stadelmeyer, Oberleut. König, von Hailer and Schlemmer.

Curiously, von Hailer wears the Prussian Pilot's Badge.

Brave men who fought for their country. Let's not forget their names.

George

.

George - THANK YOU! This is great news. I have wondered who these four men might be for months. Thank you for identifying them. Did you come across this picture elsewhere?

Truly am grateful. Gauntlet over at Wings of War Aerodrome will get a link to this picture discussion too, as he raised the question with me.

Truly, grateful for everyone weighing in on this one. The expertise out there on this forum is incredible. THANK YOU ALL!

OH - EDIT - here is a link discussing Stadelmeyer Kofl - 1918

R

[GMU]

[Ritterton]

Gary -

Thank you again. While it would be wonderful to come across an image of Lothar, his brother, etc., the fact that I can now identify who these men are is equally exciting to me.

Much appreciated!

R