At eight in the morning, the rain had eased somewhat, but the sky remained dreary and overcast, with thick clouds looming over the entire expanse as if trying to lock everything inside, starving them of escape.
About 30 German Army Fokker Dr.I triplanes appeared over the Lefrancois area, their red fuselages resembling flames, or like a cloud of red rolling towards us.
It was the famous 11th Jasta of the German Army, commanded by the illustrious Lieutenant Richthofen.
Initially, Lieutenant Richthofen was the only one who painted his plane red, thinking it would help ground troops identify friendlies and prevent friendly fire.
"My biggest concern is my own men," Richthofen said confidently, "I never worry about the enemy spotting me. They're just my prey. Attacking me is like a moth flying into the flame."
His subordinates soon followed suit.
After Richthofen shot down 31 enemy planes, other German pilots also began painting their aircraft red, considering it a lucky color.
