Originally Posted by edwest2 (Post 268902)

Hi Jim,
I suspect the nose wheel was removed to help protect the aircraft from theft. It was a valuable aircraft that held great technical interest to people, including Allies who wanted one. At the time, intelligence teams were competing for equipment and although some security was in place, a few examples make me inclined to consider this possibility.
Ed

Originally Posted by edwest2 (Post 268908)

Thanks Rudi. I know that soldiers removed parts from aircraft as souvenirs but in the case of advanced aircraft, the various US, British, French and other intelligence teams were anxious to get their hands on one to bring it back for study. At the time, whoever found something first and who could move it away, were now the new owners.