By Local Studies librarian Jenny McConchie

When German flying ace the Red Baron was shot down by Australian soldiers in World War I, Ernest Tibbetts from Corrimal was among those who witnessed the event. This postcard (pictured), which he sent to his mother, was written on a piece of plywood he scavenged from the baron’s plane.

Local Studies staff were excited to become involved when the current owner needed help tracking down descendants of the Tibbetts family. Much detective work on our part has resulted in the rediscovery of letters that Ernest wrote describing what he saw when the plane came down.

Ernest is one of the men and women honoured on the Wollongong City Libraries Illawarra Remembers website, which contains profiles of WW1 service men and women from the Illawarra. Members of the public are invited to submit additional information via the website so that we can build on the personal stories of those who served our nation.

The inscription on postcard is: “France, piece of aeroplane of famous squadron commander Cav. Capt Baron von Richthofen, who achieved 79 victories. Brought down behind Hamel by 18th Aus. Bde. M.G. fire on 21st April, 1918.”