Airman's Last Battle

Levin Daily Chronicle, 11 May 1918, Page 1

Airman's Last Battle

DEATH OF VON RICHTHOPEN,

LONDON, April 23

A friendly, but lively controversy is m progress "as to whether an Australian Lewis-gunner in the Ancre Valley brought down the German aviator Bichhofen, or a British aviator who was pursuiug him. Bichthofen was near the Australian lines. M. Clemcnceau credits the deed to the British aviator. Richthofeu was one of tho most celebrated airmen of the war. He was tne idol of Germany and was patronised by che German Emperor. He was the victor in 79 aeroplane combats. Bichthsfen was shot down while flying low inside the Australian lines. Richthofen fell at the end of a severe fight between British and German squadrons. He was flying in a triplane, ana was shot down while flying near the "round, while he himself was chasing "own a British scout. It was a dramatic end to a great air iight. The German champion crashed to the ground, smashing the machine to smithereens. Qnly one bullet found Ms body, ana that went straight through his heart. When' the fight began two Australian aeroplanes, which were well out behind the Germans lines, suddenly met six enemy machines aloove them. The Germans dived immediately to attack. The Australians, turning, fired over the tails and caused one of the enemy triplanes tofall, apparently out of control. The Australians themselves went down ia order to escape, Eventually recovering they found themselves out of the battle which was proceeding over the Somme, between about 15 aeroplanes on each side. A British squadron of fighting scouts engaged the enemy squadron, of which the Australians evidently only met part. Four .German triplanes are believed to have been shot down, but no British. It was not recognised tin Bichthofen's dead body was identified that this squadron was hiaifamous "circus." His identification was clear from his papers and wateh.