Who Shot Down The Red Baron?

Captain Roy Brown of the Royal Air Force (RAF) is officially credited with shooting down Manfred von Richthofen, famously known as The Red Baron.

The Official Account

On April 21, 1918, during the height of World War I, the Royal Air Force officially attributed the death of the legendary German flying ace, The Red Baron, to Captain Roy Brown of No. 209 Squadron. This official recognition was based on the events of the aerial engagement that day, where Brown's combat report provided a brief but crucial account of his actions.

Brown's combat report outlined his encounter with the distinctive red Fokker Triplane: "Went back again and dived on pure red triplane which was firing on Lieut." This terse description forms the basis of the official credit given to him for bringing down the highly decorated pilot, whose death was a significant event during the war.

Key Figures in The Red Baron's Demise

The official narrative centers around the following key details:

Historical Context and Legacy

While the Royal Air Force officially credited Captain Roy Brown, the exact circumstances surrounding The Red Baron's death have been the subject of considerable historical debate over the years. Evidence and expert analysis have also pointed to possible contributing factors from Australian ground machine-gun fire. However, the RAF's official stance remains that Captain Brown was responsible for the fatal shot that brought down the iconic pilot. This event marked a pivotal moment in aerial combat history, ending the remarkable career of the "Ace of Aces."

To learn more about the detailed historical accounts, you can explore various reputable sources on World War I aviation and the Red Baron's final flight, such as those found on historical archives and museum websites. Read more on historical accounts.