In early 1917 the war in the air intensified on the Western Front in France. Richthofen's deadly Jagdstaffel 11 was flying vastly superior Albatros and Halberstadt planes, with synchronized machine guns. Into the fray came 40 Squadron RFC with its problematic FE8s. No contest you would think, but the bravery and courage of men like Lionel Blaxland, Mick Mannock and their fellow pilots ensured the Germans did not have it all their own way.