Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Fokker D.VII – Rudolf Berthold, Jasta 15/JG II, Luftstreitkrafte, Chery-les-Pouilly Aerodrome, France 1918

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5.75”.  Wingspan: 7.25”


Limited Edition 2,000 models worldwide

An early aviator who helped establish the importance of military aviation, Rudolf Berthold learnt to fly by paying for his own flying lessons while serving in the pre-war Imperial German Army. At the start of the Great War, he was sent back to his Army unit for training, but quickly transferred to the Luftstreitkräfte and an initial posting as an aerial observer. By the start of 1916, Berthold was at the controls of a Fokker Eindecker and his first aerial victory soon followed – by the end of the year, he would be one of Germany's first air aces, with eight victories to his name.

Serving throughout the war, Berthold earned the nickname “Iron Man” due to the many serious injuries received during combat, several of which saw him discharging himself from the hospital so he could return to his unit. Incredibly his final sixteen aerial victories were all gained flying the Fokker D.VII using just one hand. Injured during combat with SE5a fighters of RFC 56 Squadron in October 1917, Berthold's right arm was shattered so severely by a bullet that ricocheted in his cockpit, that amputation was considered. Although such drastic surgery was avoided, the injury would trouble Berthold for the rest of his flying career even though he would end the war with 44 aerial victories. As his victory total rose, his reputation was further enhanced by tales of bravery and determination to return to the front line and was only able to continue flying by using strong pain relief.

Less than two years after the war, Berthold was killed by a mob in Hamburg, during a period of civil unrest – his headstone reads 'Honored by his enemies, slain by his German brethren'. As sad end for one of Germany's leading Great War aces.

The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft. Approximately 1,700 D.VII aircraft were produced in the summer and autumn of 1918. In service, the D.VII quickly proved itself to be a formidable aircraft. The armistice, which ended the war, required Germany to surrender all D.VIIs to the Allies at the conclusion of hostilities. Surviving aircraft saw continued widespread service with many other countries in the years after the war.


Corgi is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast display models. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. This model is made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Fokker D.VII features: