Re: Flugplatz name
 

This is exactly the point of my post. II./JG 77 did not participate in the Polenfeldzug.

The Gruppe moved to an unknown forward airstrip close to the German-Polish border in preparation for the Polish campaign before it was recalled to north-western Germany to protect the German Bight on 20 August 1939.

I believe that the writing on the reverse of this photo could reveal the clue what that forward airstrip may have been.

Regards,
Sinisa

Re: Flugplatz name
 

I read Neumünster

Re: Flugplatz name
 

Possible. Thank you.

Re: Flugplatz name
 

Bit better readable


.

Re: Flugplatz name
 

In fact, you are looking for when did II./JG77 start to use its first emblem, aren't you ?
Then, if not Neumünster, and providing the name is this unknown forward airstrip this should be dated before end of August ... But looking at Warts' clothes ...

Good luck !
Regards,
Franck.

Re: Flugplatz name
 

Last we still have this photo coming from an old auction.
Unless it has been taken during the winter 1939-1940, which I doubt !
Hence the "Emblem adopted just before the war began" is wrong, indeed.
Most probably Winter 1938-1939, a Bf 109 B. (look at plug socket position)
;)
Regards,
Franck.

Re: Flugplatz name
 

Thank you, Franck. Now, your assessment is partially correct - I was indeed looking for the pre-war photographic evidence of the early II./JG 77 emblem,... albeit sported on the Emils.

Now, I am well aware of the said emblem being sported on the Gruppe's Bf 109 B aircraft (after all I was successful bidder for both photos from your post 16). Then the Gruppe converted onto the Bf 109 E aircraft in April/May 1939, and I could not find evidence of the emblem being sported on the Emils before the outbreak of hostilities. We are talking some 4-to-5 month gap in this respect.

I was hoping that this photo would assist my research, but your reading (i.e., Neumünster) would appear correct, so I am back to square one here.

Regards,
Sinisa

Re: Flugplatz name
 

FWIW:

20.8 39: II./JG 77 transferred to Nordholz
4.9.39: first engagement - claimed 2 RAF Wellingtons in the Wilhelmshaven area.
21.9.39: II./JG 77 transferred to Neumünster,

Prien, Jochen. Einsatz des Jagdgeschwaders 77 von 1939 bis 1945: Ein Kriegstagebuch nach Dokumenten, Berichten und Erinnerungen. 4 Teile (volumes). Eutin: Struve-Druck, 1992-93. Teil 1 (1934 bis Mai 1941, ISBN: 3-923457-19-7). Teil 2 (Juni 1941 bis November 1942, ISBN: 3-923457-22-7). Teil 3 (1942-1943). Teil 4 (1944-1945, ISBN: 3-923457-29-4). Hb (oversize). Dj. 2,507p. Heavily illus. Maps. Dwgs. Tables. Numerous appendices incl. loss and victory lists. Name index.

L.

Re: Flugplatz name
 

I post the following only in the interest of teasing out the correct individual characters.

Musiouspter

Ed

Re: Flugplatz name
 

Now I understand all your quest !