Richthofen's plane

Pencil sketch of Manfred von Richthofen's (known as the 'Red Baron') aircraft. Artist's notes accompany image and have been hand written on the manila folder to which the sketch is adhered. In these notes the artist recalls how he examined the wreck of Richthofen's plane and made a sketch for his brother.
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (1892-1918), also widely known as the Red Baron, was a German fighter pilot with the Imperial German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) during World War I. He is considered the top ace of that war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories, more than any other pilot. Originally a cavalryman, Richthofen transferred to the Air Service in 1915, and quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot. By 1918, he was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and was very well known by the other side. Richthofen flew an Albatros D.II, a German fighter aircraft used during World War I.
This sketch is one of a series of images produced from memory by Private Frank Ronald Rawlinson that relate to the events recorded in his manuscript, 'Wood and Wire' or 'Two for the Old Flying Corps'. Also in the War Memorial's collection, this manuscript provides a narrative of Rawlinson's experiences in the First World War and his service in the AIF (Australian Imperial Force), RFC (Royal Flying Corps) and AFC (Australian Flying Corps).
The AFC was established in 1913. In 1915 Australia was asked by Britain to form compile squadrons for service with the RFC . Australia responded by despatching No. 1 squadron to Egypt. During the next two years the squadron operated first from Heliopolis and later in Palestine and Syria. More squadrons were raised in Australia for the Western Front. No. 2, 3 and 4 squadrons arrived in France during August, September and December 1917 respectively. No. 2 squadron (flying DH5s) was attached to the Third Army and during the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 carried out patrol duties, ground strafing of enemy troops and bombing. No. 3 squadron (flying RE8s) was supporting the last phase of the Passchendaele campaign in Flanders. The last Australian squadron to arrive (No. 4 flying Sopwith Camels) took up its duties with the First Army. At the end of the First World War, the AFC was disbanded and replaced by the Australian Air Corps which became the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1921.