On April 20, 1918, Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, achieved his 80th and final aerial victory by shooting down a British Sopwith Camel over Morlancourt Ridge, France. This marked his last triumph before his death the following day.

Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the Red Baron, stands as one of history's most legendary fighter pilots. His remarkable career during World War I saw him achieve an unprecedented 80 aerial victories, making him the war's most successful flying ace. The story of his final triumph captures a pivotal moment in aviation history.

The Red Baron's last victory came on April 20, 1918, just one day before his death. Flying his distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane, he shot down a British Sopwith Camel over Morlancourt Ridge, near the Somme River in France. This final conquest marked the end of an era that transformed aerial combat and military strategy forever.

Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, commanded Germany's most successful fighter squadron during World War I. His distinctive red-painted aircraft earned him the nickname that became synonymous with aerial combat excellence.

Manfred von Richthofen was born into Prussian aristocracy on May 2, 1892, in Breslau, Germany. He entered military school at age 11 at the Wahlstatt cadet academy. In 1911, he joined the Uhlan Regiment No. 1 as a cavalry officer where he served on both the Eastern and Western Fronts during the early months of World War I.

The Red Baron transferred to the German Air Force in 1915 to become one of history's most celebrated fighter pilots. His first aerial victory came in September 1916, marking the beginning of his legendary status as a German flying ace. By April 1917, he commanded Jagdgeschwader 1, nicknamed "The Flying Circus" due to their brightly painted aircraft. The squadron's innovative combat tactics under his leadership led to unprecedented success on the Western Front, with Richthofen personally achieving 80 confirmed victories. His signature red Fokker Dr.I triplane became a symbol of both fear and respect among Allied pilots.

Red Baron Achievement Milestones
Total Aerial Victories	80
First Victory Date	September 17, 1916
Command Appointment	April 1917
Last Victory Date	April 20, 1918

Manfred von Richthofen's aerial combat record stands at 80 confirmed victories between September 1916 and April 1918. His systematic approach to aerial warfare transformed combat tactics on the Western Front during World War I.

The Red Baron achieved his first victory on September 17, 1916, downing a British F.E.2b over Cambrai, France. His tactical approach emphasized methodical pursuit, precise ammunition conservation and attacking from above with the sun at his back. In April 1917, he recorded 22 victories in a single month, including four Allied aircraft downed on April 13, 1917.

Combat Statistics 1916-1918:

Year	Victories	Notable Aircraft Used
1916	16	Albatros D.II
1917	57	Albatros D.III, Fokker Dr.I
1918	7	Fokker Dr.I

Jagdgeschwader 1, commanded by Richthofen from June 1917, earned its nickname "The Flying Circus" due to its brightly colored aircraft and mobile operational style. The unit's distinctive red fighters became feared symbols across the front lines, with pilots adopting specific formation tactics:

• Four-aircraft patrol groups
• High-altitude positioning
• Coordinated diving attacks
• Wingman protection systems
• Strategic ground support operations

The squadron achieved 151 victories during Richthofen's leadership, establishing new standards for fighter unit organization and combat effectiveness.

The spring of 1918 marked the final chapter of Manfred von Richthofen's legendary career, with intense aerial combat operations coinciding with Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front.

The German Spring Offensive of 1918 saw Richthofen's Flying Circus operating at peak intensity. The Red Baron led Jagdgeschwader 1 in supporting ground operations through low-altitude attacks alongside maintaining air superiority. His unit recorded 26 aerial victories during March 1918, operating primarily over the Somme sector where German forces advanced against British positions.

Manfred von Richthofen achieved his 80th and final victory on April 20, 1918, over Sailly-le-Sec, France. At 11:00 AM that morning, the Red Baron engaged a British Sopwith Camel piloted by Lieutenant Wilfred May of No. 209 Squadron RAF. Flying his distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane, Richthofen successfully shot down May's aircraft, marking the last confirmed kill of his career. This engagement occurred at low altitude over Allied territory, demonstrating the German ace's aggressive pursuit tactics even in dangerous conditions.

Date	Location	Aircraft Type	Pilot's Squadron	Victory Number
April 20, 1918	Sailly-le-Sec	Sopwith Camel	No. 209 Squadron RAF	80

Manfred von Richthofen met his end on April 21, 1918, during a fierce aerial battle over the Somme River valley. The circumstances surrounding the Red Baron's final combat remain a subject of historical analysis.

On that fateful morning, Richthofen pursued a Sopwith Camel piloted by novice Canadian airman Wilfrid "Wop" May at low altitude over the Somme valley. The Red Baron's bright red Fokker Dr.I ventured deep into Allied territory while chasing May's aircraft. As Richthofen focused on his target, Captain Arthur "Roy" Brown, May's flight commander, dove into the pursuit to protect his wingman.

At 10:35 AM, a single .303 bullet struck Richthofen in his chest, penetrating from right to left. His Fokker Dr.I crashed in a field near Vaux-sur-Somme, France, with the following coordinates:

Location Details	Data
Time of Death	10:35 AM
Date	April 21, 1918
Location	Vaux-sur-Somme, France
Aircraft Type	Fokker Dr.I
Serial Number	425/17

Multiple Allied units stationed in the area claimed responsibility for downing the Red Baron. Ground-based Australian machine gunners from the 24th Machine Gun Company positioned along the Somme insisted their concentrated fire brought down the German ace. Captain Brown also received official credit for the victory, though modern analysis suggests ground fire as the more likely cause of Richthofen's death.

The Allied forces buried Manfred von Richthofen with full military honors at Bertangles, France, acknowledging his status as a respected adversary. The 80-victory ace's funeral demonstrated the unique character of aerial combat in World War I, where enemies often maintained a code of mutual respect despite their deadly encounters.

Manfred von Richthofen's influence extends far beyond his 80 aerial victories during World War I. His tactical innovations transformed aerial combat operations through systematic engagement protocols which modern air forces continue to study.

• Established standardized fighter pilot training programs in Germany
• Created formation flying techniques adopted by air forces worldwide
• Developed the concept of specialized fighter units with distinct operational roles
• Introduced altitude-based combat advantages in aerial warfare

• Inspired over 20 films featuring his exploits including "The Blue Max" (1966)
• Generated numerous books examining his military career
• Created enduring aviation terminology still used today
• Influenced popular culture through appearances in video games music media

Legacy Element	Impact Measurement
Military Honors	12 international medals
Biography Publications	50+ books published
Media Adaptations	20+ films TV shows
Museum Exhibits	15 permanent displays

• Received burial with full military honors from Allied forces
• Established permanent exhibits in aviation museums worldwide
• Created educational programs focusing on aerial combat history
• Generated continued academic research into WWI aviation tactics

The Red Baron's methodical approach to aerial combat established fundamental principles for fighter pilot training. His leadership of Jagdgeschwader 1 demonstrated the effectiveness of specialized air units operating with coordinated tactics. Military academies continue analyzing his combat records for insights into aerial warfare strategy.

• The Red Baron achieved his 80th and final aerial victory on April 20, 1918, just one day before his death, shooting down a British Sopwith Camel over Morlancourt Ridge.
• Manfred von Richthofen commanded Germany's most successful fighter squadron, "The Flying Circus," known for their distinctive red aircraft and innovative combat tactics.
• His military career spanned from 1916 to 1918, with his most successful period being 1917, when he achieved 57 victories flying the Albatros D.III and Fokker Dr.I.
• The Red Baron's systematic combat approach emphasized methodical pursuit, precise ammunition conservation, and attacking from advantageous positions with the sun behind him.
• His legacy transformed aerial warfare through standardized fighter pilot training, formation flying techniques, and specialized fighter unit operations that are still studied by modern air forces.

The Red Baron's final victory on April 20 1918 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in aviation history. His methodical approach to aerial combat revolutionized military strategy and left an indelible mark on warfare.

Even today Manfred von Richthofen's legacy continues to inspire and fascinate aviation enthusiasts worldwide. His achievements during World War I including 80 confirmed victories demonstrate the dawn of aerial warfare and its profound impact on military operations. The Red Baron's story stands as a testament to skill dedication and the evolution of combat aviation.