Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Evening all...

We have a thread over on the LEMB here concerning what appears to be either a new or not well documented emblem belonging to either III./St.G.51 or II./St.1. Here is a link to the Historical Media auction from where the three images in question were found:

http://www.historical-media.com/id103.htm

On our thread, Goran/F19Gladiator has kindly posted three images, two of which are former eBay images. The first eBay shot shows a Ju87 coded 6G+MT with the same emblem. The second ex-eBay image shows at least two Ju87's with this emblem, so our original thoughts that this may be a personal emblem appear to hold no water. Finally, the third image, reproduced from AirDoc005 "Junkers Ju87, Part 1" by M.Griehl, shows a photo of what is captioned as a Ju87B-1 coded G6+D? which was taken at Köln-Wahn airfield during the invasion in the west and belongs to the Hoppe Collection.

Having spoken to Doug Stankey via PM, he confirms that the emblem does indeed look new but until we come across additional images and evidence, then we are stuck. So, have any of you come across this Ace of Hearts emblem before (published) or can add to confirmed examples where the fuselage code is visible?

Many thanks in advance

Kind regards
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Hi,

this is an early emblem of 9./StG51. It disappeared after the death of Olt. Harry Arndt - Staffel captain being replaced by "devil riding a bomb" emblem.

Regards

Robert

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Many thanks indeed for this interesting lead Robert... are you able to provide a source for this information please?

Kind regards
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Hi,

my source are photos (ca.25), which showing this emblem only on planes from 9./StG51.

Regards

Robert

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Many thanks again Robert, could I be as bold as to ask if any fuselage codes are visible on any of these 25 images? Collation of these codes will enable us to build up a better evidence that they served with 9./St.G.51... the only certainties we have are 6G+D? & 6G+MT.

Kind regards
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Hi,

e.g. 2x6G+MT, 6G+DT, 6G+ST, 6G+GT, 6G+ET.

Regards

Robert

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Great stuff again Robert, I really appreciate your sharing these codes. I'll be interested to see what Doug's thoughts are especially now that we have some additional evidence to back up your 9 Staffel recommendation.

Cheers
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Peter,

I can confirm what Robert says. The heart emblem was the original emblem used on 9./StG51 aircraft. This was confirmed to me by Peter Petrick during a visit at his home in N. Germany a few years ago. He had photos and other info to back this up. Since then, I've acquired a number of photos of this emblem on 9./StG51 a/c to confirm and illustrate the use of this emblem on that unit's a/c.

Regards,

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

Thanks Larry... so 9./St.51 its is then... :)

Cheers
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Undocumented II./St.G.1 or II./St.G.51 emblem?
 

So is it known if the change from the Ace of hearts emblem to the Devil riding a bomb emblem was implemented as a direct result of Olt. Harry Arndt's death? Out of respect for their Staffel Captain maybe? Or just coincidence?