AN AIRCRAFT fuel tank, housed in Australia’s National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin Airport, is now suspected to have originated from the aircraft used by flying legend and ace-of-aces, Manfred von Richthofen.
Killed over Amiens on 21 April 1918, the Red Baron was credited with 80 victories and is perhaps best-known for leading his squadron, Jasta 11, in distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane. Though killed before he could fly it, Richthofen aided in the development of the Fokker D.VIIs biplane, which would help Jasta 11, with 20 aces numbered among its ranks, to claim more victories than any other German squadron.
Claimed as downed by Canadian pilot Capt. Arthur Brown, or by ground fire from Australians Sgt. Cedric Popkin or Gunner W.J. Evans (a topic of fierce debate) the Red Baron landed his aircraft near Australian positions before succumbing to a single bullet wound through his chest. Contemporary film shows Australian troops dismantling the aircraft ready for examination.
Parts have since been distributed to museums and collectors, as have many souvenirs – albeit that the provenance of many items has been either questionable or disputed. Parts such as the machine guns and engine have been preserved, …
