Request Assistance with Identifying Photo -MvR?

[unglesbeemj]

Seeking assistance from forum members on any additional info about this period photograph, cut down unfortunately, purportedly showing Manfred von Richthofen (seated). Given the depth of knowledge here, expect this image has been seen or published.

It appears to be an Allied aircraft that has been downed, although the cropped image does not offer many clues other than the “3” on what appears to be the fuselage resting directly on the ground. Captured pilots visible? Is the seated pilot MvR? Shaking hands with whom? “von Richthofen” and “Gottfried W” is written (modern addition) on the reverse.

Greatly appreciate any insights from forum members. Apologies for the low resolution attachment.

Regards,
Mike

[Paul Forster]

It's hard to tell. You need to put up a larger version.

[Gregvan]

Paul Forster is correct. A larger image would certainly help. I don’t mean to disappoint you, but I seriously doubt that Richthofen is in the photo. The aircraft seems to be a German two-seater, probably an LVG C.V. The man presumed to be MvR, in the flying kit, looks much more like the observer, seated atop the rear cockpit. We see a long rack of flare cartridges on the fuselage next to the cockpit, very typical for two-seaters like this. The observer looks as if he is being congratulated for coming through a rough landing OK; the pilot is probably the man in flying clothes in the background, perched on the wing. At least, that is what it looks like to me based on this small image.

If I had a nickel for all of the times I have seen photos that were incorrectly claimed to show Manfred von Richthofen.....well, I'd have a lot of nickels.

[shall87]

I don't think it's him. As others have stated, the photo is rather small and also blurry, but at first glance, I think it is evident this person lacks MvR's facial structure. I would sooner say he looks like Voss than MvR.

[unglesbeemj]

Paul Forster is correct. A larger image would certainly help. I don’t mean to disappoint you, but I seriously doubt that Richthofen is in the photo. The aircraft seems to be a German two-seater, probably an LVG C.V. The man presumed to be MvR, in the flying kit, looks much more like the observer, seated atop the rear cockpit. We see a long rack of flare cartridges on the fuselage next to the cockpit, very typical for two-seaters like this. The observer looks as if he is being congratulated for coming through a rough landing OK; the pilot is probably the man in flying clothes in the background, perched on the wing. At least, that is what it looks like to me based on this small image.

If I had a nickel for all of the times I have seen photos that were incorrectly claimed to show Manfred von Richthofen.....well, I'd have a lot of nickels.

Thanks Greg,

Appreciate you and others taking the time to comment. Had my own doubts about who is pictured, and agree the seated flier does not appear to be MvR but rather an observer. I have been combing available reference books but could not find this image published anywhere. Thanks again for weighing in with your expertise.

Regards, Mike

[sator]

At first glance it kind of looks like him , but I doubt that it is.

[MASTIFF]

No evidence to back it up, but if we are going with wild guesses, mine would be Goering.

[dernancourt]

I don’t believe Manfred is in this photo, but my comment is - that the person standing looks more like MvR than the sitting person.
My guess is that the person writing “Richthofen” on the rear, would be referring to the person standing.
Just my observation on possibly why it has his name on the back.
Alan.