The chivalrous image typically associated with German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, the so-called Red Baron, is undeserved, a British biographer claims.

Joachim Castan says in his book, The Whole Truth, that von Richthofen -- known for his exploits during World War I -- was a cold-blooded killing machine who toyed with his aerial opponents, The Sunday Telegraph said.

Traditionally, the Red Baron's apparent reluctance to finish off his opponents immediately has been portrayed as his attempt to give them a fair chance.

The truth is von Richthofen wanted to kill and destroy the enemy, which is what he did in cold blood and with formidable precision, Castan wrote in his book. He was an efficient killing machine, a product of a strict Prussian upbringing that did not allow for too much compassion.

Castan's observations come at a time when the hit German film, Der Rote Baron, glorifies von Richthofen's career, the newspaper said.

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