World War One

by Frank M. Roberts

December 2016

What do you know about The Red Baron? Yeah-yeah -- he's red and he's a baron. He was a colorful character - a World War One German flying ace who, later, became a Snoopy confidant.

He was born Manfred Freiherr von Richtofen in Wroclaw which, ironically, is part of Poland. His background: Prussian. He started his military career as a cavalryman, then switched to the Signal Corps (my branch in Unc Sam's army). In 1915 he transferred to the Imperial Air Service, eventually becoming famous for his 80 - what was referred to as -'common kills'. It ended in 1918 thanks to an 18-year-old who sort of directed his demise. (yes - 18).

A couple sources do not go along with the above piece of history but, most reliably, the young man most responsible for the death of the Baron was Wilfred 'Reid' Wop May. When the two faced each other it didn't look good for the young flyer. His guns jammed. He managed to elude the German ace who, of course, was anxious to get rid of the young upstart - so anxious, that he broke his own pursuit role by following May's plane across Allied lines, a practice that was a 'nein-nein'.

One of May's fellow countrymen, Roy Brown, helped bring down the Baron who was buried with full military by his enemies - the English and the Australians.

A little more about May, if I may: He was asked to deliver serum to a remote community battling a diphtheria outbreak. He flew for two straight days in the open cockpit of a bi-plane. The serum was wrapped in a blanket at his feet next to a charcoal heater. He arrived at his destination with his hands virtually frozen to the controls.

As for The Red Baron, he looked the part. He was ruggedly handsome and, he was quite intelligent. He learned map reading, how to be skilled in dropping bombs, how to locate enemy troops and, as a sideline, he learned to draw pictures while he was in the air. Not long after joining the Imperial German Army Air Service - he was one of its first members - his military skill earned him, from both sides, this title: "The Ace of Aces of the War." Quickly, he became a distinguished fighter pilot and, later, joined some fellow fighters who were known as, "The Flying Circus." He was a highly respected national hero in Germany and, respected by his enemies (us).

He died, but his reputation lives on - not so much in Germany - many people in that country now know little about him but, in the United States, thanks mostly due to, of all things - a Beagle - Snoopy, by name.

The Red Baron - so-called because he painted his plane a bright red - has been and continues to be, a star of the 'Peanuts' comic strips. The pooch's home is a doghouse. He is in it every now and then, but most of the time is spent atop. Snoopy and the RB continue to be a commercial success. (Don't suck a lemon - suck-cess).

Red Baron uniforms are for sale, yet, as are books, including comics many of which are collector's items. Speakin' of comics - the first comic book, The Comick Magazine, was published in London waay back in 1796.

A movie about the Baron was released in 2010. It failed at the box office (dare I say it 'bombed'?). In Germany it 'bombed' due to l.o.a. - lack of interest.

Movies in which he co-stars with the cute animal are, "The Return Of the Red Baron," and "Snoopy For President." (Wish I knew he was running). Another flick was about "Snoopy's Christmas."

The famed beagle still gets around and, so does The Red Baron. In Denmark there is a kennel called, "Red Baron Beagles." There is a Red Baron Foundation. Also, in Europe, are the Richtofen Museum, and a Hotel Red Baron. It all began with a few sketches by an artist named Charles Schulz whose doggie was famous for paw-pointing while saying, "curse you, Red Baron," a line almost as famous as, "frankly Scarlett, I don't give a damn."

Speaking of canines - FDR's pet Scottish Terrier, Fala, was an honorary private in our Army.

Of course, there must be airplane jokes such as the one about the no-frills airline which rents you oxygen. Another no-frills airline does not show movies. It shows coming attractions of pictures shown on other airlines. And, there is the considerate airline that serves two meals - one on the plane, the other while you wait for your baggage -- speaking of which, most airlines suggest you check in early. And, again, speaking of baggage, some airlines put mistletoe on the baggage carrier, so you can kiss your luggage goodbye.

Rounding all this up with a sick joke about the airliner that went down in the Pacific. The sharks ate the crew and passengers, but they wouldn't touch the roast beef. (I warned you).