Minifigure – Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron / Der Rote Baron) the most famous fighter pilot of WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron / Der Rote Baron)

This figure represents the most famous fighter pilot of World War I, Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen. He is depicted here not in a flight suit, but in the dress uniform of his original cavalry regiment, which he famously continued to wear even after becoming a pilot.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure is highly detailed and historically accurate to Richthofen’s specific appearance on the ground:

• The Uniform (The Uhlan Tunic): He is wearing a grey Ulanka (Uhlan tunic). Before joining the air service, Richthofen was an officer in the 1st Regiment of Uhlans “Emperor Alexander III of Russia”.

  • Piping: The distinct Red Piping outlining the front panel (plastron) and collar is the specific color of his Uhlan regiment.

  • Buttons: The double-breasted arrangement of gold buttons is characteristic of this cavalry style.

• Medals & Awards:

  • The Blue Max: Around his neck hangs the blue Pour le Mérite, the Kingdom of Prussia’s highest military order, which he received after his 16th aerial victory.

  • Chest Badges: On his left breast, you can see the Iron Cross 1st Class and below it, the Imperial German Pilot’s Badge (Flugzeugführerabzeichen).

• Headgear: He wears a standard Officer’s Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze). The red band matches his regiment’s colors, and it features two cockades (badges): the upper one for the Empire (black-white-red) and the lower one for Prussia (black-white).

• Face: The face print shows scars or weathering, possibly referencing the severe head wound he received in July 1917, which left a scar and forced him to convalesce.

• Accessory: He holds a black Walking Stick. Historically, Richthofen often carried a stick, and photographs show him using one particularly while recovering from his head injury.

Historical Background

• The Ace of Aces: With 80 confirmed aerial victories, Richthofen was the top-scoring ace of the First World War.

• The Flying Circus: He commanded Jagdgeschwader 1, a fighter wing known as the “Flying Circus” because of their brightly colored aircraft. His own plane (usually a Fokker Dr.I triplane) was painted entirely red, earning him his nickname.

• Cavalry Origins: This figure is great because it highlights his origins. Like many early aviators, he started in the cavalry (Uhlans) because it was considered the most prestigious branch, but transferred to the Air Service when trench warfare made cavalry obsolete.