[S Sheflin]

Yogybär,

I must humbly disagree with you regarding the existence of a fourth (presumably blue) Staffel in II./JG 52.

In AIRFOIL #2 (spring 1984) I included a “Last of the Luftwaffe” article on the aircraft found at Neubiberg after the surrender. In that article, I made several errors: First, I incorrectly listed Bf 109 G-10 22+ - as being found at Neubiberg, when in fact, it was abandoned at Zeltwig, Styria, Austria. Second, I listed its Werknummer as being 613153 (actually a WNF WNr.), when it was probably 151536. Finally, I illustrated it as being “22+ - Red,” outlined in white.

Mr. Jochen Prien kindly responded with an extensive letter correcting my errors on the above-mentioned Bf 109, and outlining II./JG 52’s bases and markings in the last days of the war (far too much text to include here—I published his complete letter in AIRFOIL #3 in 1985). The gist of it is the fact that, in August 1944, II./JG 52 lost its 4. Staffel to JG 3 (where it became 8./JG 3). Its replacement Staffel became 7./II./ JG 52, and took the old 4. Staffel’s white markings. II./JG 52 therefore, finished the war with only three Staffeln, which sported these non-standard markings:

5. Staffel = Black markings
6. Staffel = Yellow markings
7. Staffel = White markings

Also, no loss list have been found listing any late-war II./JG 52 Bf 109s with other than the above-noted black, yellow, or white markings. In studying II./JG 52 photographs for years now, that unit appears to have been scrupulous in applying these unique markings.

Regarding Bf 109 G-10 22+ -, Mr. Prien noted that it clearly resembles other II./JG 52 109s in that it featured small numerals and a corresponding small II. Gruppe bar, and, bore the yellow cowl band and rudder ordered for aircraft serving on the southern eastern front. Therefore, 22+ - was probably not marked in red or blue, but rather, in the expected black outlined in white. Additional photographs and other research have shown that the light appearance of its markings in my AIRFOIL photo were the result of a wet or waxed surface and/or the angle of the sun. Finally, I have documented two additional 5./II./JG 52 Erla-built Bf 109 G-10s with black markings outlined in white at Neubiberg.

Steve Sheflin