BV Richtofen

[Schäfer]

I mentioned a while ago that we have Richtofens DrI rotary engine in our War Memorial. Today I found the the photo. Thought it might be of interest. 

[Lee]

I was in Melbourne on a job back in 2001 and visited a museum that had an SE5a in silver finish that was a gift from the Queen to Australia after WW I. Is it still there?

[Klaiber]

It's great to see it.  Is that the engine from 425/17?

[-Hawkeye-]

Missing some intake pipes, wonder if they were taken as souvenirs?  In surprisingly good shape otherwise, they say he made a decent landing before he died.

[Schäfer]

I was in Melbourne on a job back in 2001 and visited a museum that had an SE5a in silver finish that was a gift from the Queen to Australia after WW I. Is it still there?

 

I believe that SE5a to be now in the Australian War Museum in Canberra.

[Schäfer]

It's great to see it.  Is that the engine from 425/17?

 

Yes, that is THE engine from BVRs DR1 when he was shot down by Aussies. I have stood before it in awe.

[Schäfer]

Missing some intake pipes, wonder if they were taken as souvenirs?  In surprisingly good shape otherwise, they say he made a decent landing before he died.

 

Later investigation shows that he was shot through the left side of his chest which is when his DR1 was seen to lurch upwards. He then had 20 secs to land before dying from such a wound, which he did. The bullet came from a Lewis gun manned by an Australian.

[Schäfer]

Btw the engine is in the Imperial War Museum, his twin Spandaus are here in Australia.