Whiteside, Darren J.
Rampant Lion
A&S Publishing
Warren, Michigan
2007

313 pp

Estimated Value:  $20 - $30

Inscribed By Author

   Review by Jan Goldstein Originally Posted at The Aerodrome Forum, September 2007:

   I've always considered the body of literature concerning Great War aviation to be somewhat of a giant jigsaw puzzle, with each volume contributing to our understanding of the bigger picture. The crop of memoirs that appeared in those years immediately following the war were to form the basis of so many of the broader histories written later. In many cases, these "pieces" of the puzzle, while honest and erstwhile, were simply inaccurate. Error becomes legend.
The past twenty years have seen a real effort to both add to and
correct the collection of pieces that make up our Great War knowledge. Original research performed by contemporary historians (including many right here on The Aerodrome Forum) have painstakingly flushed out so much fact from fiction. Dare I say it, this has become somewhat of a Golden Age for the World War One aero enthusiast.

   Rampant Lion is both a happy byproduct of this Golden Age as well as a welcome addition to the subject's growing knowledge base. Author Darren Whiteside presents the life of this all-but-forgotten Bavarian ace in a clear, no-nonsense narrative that has me thinking of Joe Friday (remember "Dragnet"?) deadpanning "Just the fact, Ma'am".
The research that Mr. Whiteside has put into this biography is nothing short of breathtaking. Through meticulous documentation, we are given a portrait of a complex man's journey through what was an equally complex life. Von Schleich emerges as both a very public figure (certainly well known in his day) and somewhat of a shadowy mystery figure.
   Of course, the meat of this story follows Von Schleich's wartime career as a top scoring fighter pilot and jasta leader. This is the stuff I live for, and just can't get enough of "Albatripe" drivers! The business of air combat seems to have come fairly naturally to this man and the author recreates more than enough of his combats to satisfy someone like myself. Because of the modern availability of official logs and records, Whiteside is able to cross-reference many of the ace's claims and episodes.
   Truth be told, reading through this biography I couldn't decide if I really liked the Bavarian Ace or not. The qualities that made von Schleich such an effective commander and successful scorer are certainly easy to appreciate: he approached his craft with a determination and methodical method that seems to be the hallmark of many of the great aces. What also emerges about this man though, is a sense of standoffishness that leaves the reader feeling just a little ambivalent to this historical figure. One gets the impression that von Schleich wasn't so beloved to the men he led. He seems almost like a strict schoolmaster; ill humored and far too proper with his men to evoke a real sense of comradeship. The warmth and humor of an Ernst Udet, Oswald Boelcke even Manfred von Richthofen just isn't obvious in this fellow.
   The troubles von Schleich would encounter during the postwar years is a clear enough example that the Black Knight had made some enemies along the way. Beyond doubt, he was a political figure, so perhaps acquiring adversaries would be an unavoidable byproduct of the times.
That's not to say von Schleich didn't have his circle of friends and real supporters. I especially like the author's description of the subject's time spent in England between the wars. Here we see von Schleich in top form; beaming in the hospitality of his British hosts and seemingly relaxed and at ease on his speaking tour. I found myself doing a double-take when Christopher (The Mad Major) Draper mentions his former foe's great sense of humor! Von Schleich does indeed come off as quite charming here.
   The next (and final) phase of this flier's career would see him rising fairly high in standing with Hitler's Luftwaffe. Von Schleich would eventually attain the rank of General and go on to be responsible for all that branches forces in occupied Scandanavia; hardly a position for a man of great humanity or compassion.

   Perhaps I am reading too much into this, but I'm left with the impression that the author himself isn't completely sure whether or not he likes this character. Instead of offering an opinion as to the Bavarian's motivations, Whiteside presents the clearest chronological record possible and leaves the reader to form his own thoughts. Oh, the author makes no bones about speculating where holes appear in the record, but he is always quick to point out that this is speculation and generally backs up his educated guess with what we do know as fact. I love the fact that he promises to update this book should more information become available in the future. I wish all books could to this.

   So, to revisit my opening remarks, Rampant Lion provides yet another piece to the greater puzzle in understanding this obscure chapter in history. The idea that Darren Whiteside has given us such an accurate and corrected piece of this puzzle instantly renders Rampant Lion an important addition to any collector's bookshelf. To the best of my knowledge this is his first published volume and I would heartily encourage him to keep going; give us the accurate stories of some lesser known figures. I don't see this "Golden Age" for WW1 historians abating any time too soon and the more "pieces" we are given, the more passionately we'll continue to put this puzzle together.

RELATED READING (General) :   

1959  Air Aces Of The 1914-1918 War  Robertson, Bruce And Others (Editors)

1965  Eagles Of The Black Cross  Musciano, Walter A.

1971  Pictorial History Of The German Army Air Service  Imrie, Alex

1981  Albatros Fighters In Action  Conners, John F.

1987  German Air Aces Of World War One  Imrie, Alex

1989  Fokker Dr.1 In Action  Nowarra, Heinz J.

1991  Germany's First Air Force 1914-1918  Kilduff, Peter

1997  Under The Guns Of The German Aces  Franks & Giblin

1998  German Knights Of The Air  Treadwell & Wood