| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Corbie Albert Area, Corbie |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/03146.001 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Aircraft component |
| Physical description | Celluloid, Laminated wood |
| Maker |
Axial Propellerfabrik G.M.b.H |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | 1917-1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Part of propeller from Fokker Dr I : Baron Manfred von Richthofen, Geschwader 1, German Air Service
Description
Fragment of timber from Baron Manfred von Richthofen's Fokker Dr 1 propeller. The facing surface shows traces of an AXIAL propeller-maker's decal. This fragment is comprised of birch, but retains a small portion of one of the propellor's mahogany laminations.
History / Summary
The relic was obtained by 396 Pte. Thomas Bell, a regimental stretcher-bearer with the 44th Bn. A.I.F., from Baron von Richthofen's aircraft following the shooting down of the Baron on 21 April 1918. Although this item is only a fragment, it provides the only definitive proof of the manufacturer of Richthofen's propellor, as well as providing further evidence of the laminated nature and timber species from which it was fabricated.