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Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight: The Incredible Story of the Canadian Ace who Vanquished the Red Baron

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Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight

by Roger Gunn

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4081 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

This book tells the story of Collishaw's life and career, from his early days as a pilot to his final victory over the Red Baron. It is a fascinating tale of courage, skill, and determination.

Early Life and Career

Raymond Collishaw was born in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, on November 22, 1893. He was the son of a farmer and a teacher. Collishaw was a bright and ambitious child, and he excelled in school. He was also a talented athlete, and he played hockey and football.

After graduating from high school, Collishaw attended the University of Manitoba. He studied engineering, but he soon realized that his true passion was flying. In 1916, Collishaw joined the Royal Flying Corps. He was quickly promoted to the rank of captain, and he was assigned to the 49th Squadron.

The Black Flight

The 49th Squadron was known as the "Black Flight" because of the black paint that was applied to its aircraft. The Black Flight was one of the most elite fighter squadrons in the Royal Flying Corps. It was commanded by Major William Bishop, who was one of the most successful aces of the war.

Collishaw quickly became one of the top pilots in the Black Flight. He was known for his aggressive flying style and his deadly accuracy with a machine gun. Collishaw scored his first victory in April 1917, when he shot down a German Albatros D.III.

The Red Baron

Manfred von Richthofen was one of the most famous pilots of the First World War. He was known as the Red Baron because of the red paint that was applied to his aircraft. Richthofen was a highly skilled pilot, and he was credited with shooting down 80 enemy aircraft.

On April 21, 1918, Collishaw and Richthofen met in aerial combat. Collishaw was flying a Sopwith Camel, and Richthofen was flying a Fokker Dr.I. The two pilots engaged in a fierce dogfight, and Collishaw eventually managed to shoot down Richthofen's aircraft.

The downing of the Red Baron was a major victory for the Allies. It was a turning point in the war, and it helped to boost the morale of the Allied troops. Collishaw was hailed as a hero, and he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor that can be awarded to a British subject.

Later Career

After the war, Collishaw returned to Canada. He continued to fly, and he became a successful businessman. Collishaw died in 1976 at the age of 82. He is considered to be one of the greatest fighter pilots of all time.

Raymond Collishaw was a Canadian fighter pilot who became one of the most successful aces of the First World War. He was known for his aggressive flying style and his deadly accuracy with a machine gun. Collishaw's most famous victory was the downing of Manfred von Richthofen, the legendary Red Baron. This book tells the story of Collishaw's life and career, from his early days as a pilot to his final victory over the Red Baron. It is a fascinating tale of courage, skill, and determination.

Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight

by Roger Gunn

4.5 out of 5