Is that MvR in this photo?

Aerowallah · 6 February 2025, 11:39 AM

Hi, folks

I believe this is the ship of Mdl Blaise Preher of Spa68, downed by Lt. Gerhard Salzwedel of Jasta 24.

Is that Manfred with his close-cropped head to the camera, chin strap down, on the left?

Does anyone have another photo in the sequence to confirm?

Thanks!

fabulousfour · 6 February 2025, 02:27 PM

At least, Richthofen is not mentioned on the back of the photo.

The date on the back is 31st May 1917

The translated text on the back of the photo is roughly as follows:

„Honored Mr. Godfather!
Enclosed is a photo of a French flying aggregate which has been shot down.
In the best hope that you, dear godfather and family are still healthy, which I can report from myself,
Cordial greetings to you and your family,
Your grateful godchild(?)

Hope it helps a bit.

Gregvan · 6 February 2025, 08:08 PM

No, it’s not Richthofen. On 11 April 1917, this Nieuport 17 No. 1955 was captured along with its pilot MdL. Blaise Preher of Escadrille N68. He was shot down by Ltn. Gebhardt Salzwedel of Jasta 24, which was based at Mörchingen (Morhange) in the German Armee Abteilung A. The Nieuport came down near the Forest of Parroy, with Salzwedel citing the location as Xures. We can presume that your photo was taken on 11 April. On that date, Richthofen and Jasta 11 were still at Brayelle/Douai near Arras, in the German 6th Army. It’s over 400 km from Brayelle to Xures. Besides, Richthofen was very busy himself fighting the British on 11 April 1917. On that day he shot down a BE2d at Willerval at 09:25, and his pilots of Jasta 11 scored an additional 6 victories on the same day. The Nieuport was taken to Jasta 24’s airfield at Mörchingen, where it was refurbished and painted with German insignia.

Gregvan · 6 February 2025, 08:11 PM

Here are some more photos of the Nieuport after its capture.
01_Escadrille 68_captured Nieuport 17 No 12 1985 MdL Préher_my print bw.jpg

Alternate view.jpg

ALternate view 2.jpg

Aerowallah · 7 February 2025, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the excellent and persuasive information, Greg. The only analysis you omitted was the % of German pilots who liked wearing their chinstraps down like MvR!

shall87 · 10 February 2025, 10:04 AM

I don't think he liked wearing his chinstrap down. There are a great many photos where he is shown wearing a rubber band around his chin to hold the dressing on his head wound. That's the only time he's seen with something around his chin while wearing the Officer's cover.