Early Career and Jasta 11
Like his brother Manfred, Lothar began the war as a cavalry officer with the 4th Dragoon Regiment. In October 1914, while stationed at Attigny, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class for valour. The following month, his regiment was transferred to the Eastern Front.
Richthofen joined the German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) in late 1915. He served from January 1916 as an observer with Kasta 23 and saw action during the Battle of Verdun. He won the Iron Cross 1st Class in December and then began training as a pilot.
His first posting as a pilot was to his brother's Jasta 11 on 6 March 1917. His first victory claim followed on 28 March for an FE 2b of No. 25 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.
Taking part in the period of German dominance called Bloody April by the British, Lothar had won 15 more victories by the beginning of May. When his brother went on leave, Lothar von Richthofen assumed command of the squadron. The Red Baron considered his brother's combat style to be reckless, describing him as a "shooter" rather than a "hunter", and worried about his safety.
Read more about this topic: Lothar Von Richthofen
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