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July 6, 1917
Captain Manfred von Richthofen was engaged in fierce combat with a formation of British F.E.2b two seaters. He found himself in a head to head engagement with one of his opponents, flown by Captain Donald C. Cunnell. Captain Cunnell’s observer 2nd Lieutenant Albert E. Woodbridge was pouring a steady stream of bullets at Richthofen’s distinctive red Albatross D.V, as the planes closed on each other at a combined speed of over 200mph. suddenly the red Albatross shook slightly and banked hard to the right as Richthofen broke off the engagement. Captain Cunnell’s momentary rush of excitement was replaced with a feeling of disappointment as he saw the red Albatross continue flying steadily back toward German controlled territory.

In the cockpit of his airplane Manfred von Richthofen gently probed around his left ear, it felt like the British bullet removed a good sized chunk of it. Despite the stinging pain and the ringing in his ear, he felt lucky that the bullet did not hit any further to the right or it could have been instantly fatal. He reminded himself, that despite his dazzling success in the air, he was not immune to the hazards of ariel combat, nor was he bulletproof. As he made his way back to his aerodrome, he wondered what his fellow pilots would make of his very close call. He also wondered whether his superiors would become even more worried about losing their famous “Der Rote Kampfflieger” (Red Battle Flyer). Manfred did know that he would continue to fly and fight until the Kaiser himself ordered him to remain grounded, even then he would find a way around that order!

Back at the aerodrome, the squadron doctor announced to Manfred that he was indeed lucky to still have his head more or less intact. The bullet had torn most of his left earlobe off, a distinctive feature that Richthofen would have for the rest of his life. Except for a slight loss of hearing in that ear, he would have no lasting effects from the injury. Despite some concern from the highest levels of the German government, Richthofen would continue to lead his squadron until the end of the war. Manfred von Richthofen ended the Great War with the rank of Major and an impressive 99 confirmed kills, by far the most by any flyer in the war. Disgusted by the Treaty of Versailles and what he called the emasculation of Germany by a bunch of vindictive hypocrites, he resigned his commission in disgust. He thought that his service to Germany was done, but of course it was not……………….to be continued.

After a lot of research and thought I would like to present my new timeline based on Manfred von Richthofen surviving World War I. Your comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged!

Pictured is the Albatross D.V that von Richthofen was wounded in.

Albatros D.V.jpg
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