Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Oh oh

Forgot to mention that in Avions it is claimed that the roundel underneath T3+AH was a French one! They also claim another Ar 196A-2 onboard HSK Widder (this time from 5./Bordfl.Gr.196) was also painted in French colours.

Cheers
Stig

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

The Avions magazine may be right and also I may be right. From the photo I have seen it is impossible to tell if the "Graf Spee" Arado carried French or RAF roundels. The quality of the photo is not that good. It is correct that the Arado on "Widder" had French navy roundels with the anchor. The "Graf Spee" Arado roundels did not have the anchor.
And to Stig, all my info has been obtained by numerous visits to Bundesarchiv in Freiburg and the National Archives (PRO) in London over many years. I believe the same is the case for many of us contributing with information on this forum. Book your flight and go there, I can assure you it is great fun.

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Thanks Seaplanes

Wish I was a language genius and had both the money and time to spend researching historic documents in a true fashion. Unfortunately this is not so, and I have to remain an enthusiast. This however does not dampen my admiration for those who do!!

Jealous? I guess a little... :)

Cheers
Stig

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Thanks Seaplanes and Stig - I'm grateful to both of you and to all who have enlightened me.

I have not seen the photo showing roundels on the undersides of the wings of Graf Spee's Ar196, and was not aware of this attempt to deceive. I know all's fair in love and war, but was this not breaking some international rule of war?

Cheers
Brian

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

There was a second pilot, Fl. U'oofz. Werner Grotzky, as seen on the arriving list in Argentina.
I have found five Luftwaffe crew on board: two air and three ground crew.
Good winds.

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Hi Jambock

Thanks for the additional gen. Too late for Volume I of Flying Sailors at War, but I will add to the Addendum for Volume 2.

Cheers
Brian

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Hi Brian,
Could you confirm the main pilot's name: he is said as Heinrich Bongards, but I have also found as Bongarts.
Good winds.

Re: GRAF SPEE's AR196s 1939
 

Dear Brian,
I have sent you a private message.
Cheers,
Jambock