[David E. Brown]

There seems to be some confusion regarding the correct identity of Kowalewski's Ar 234, "F1+AA" and the aircraft later identified as Air Min 54 / RAF serial VH 530, WNr.140113.

There are two photos of the aircraft "F1+AA" published on page 199 in Smith and Creek's Monogram Monarch 1 book "Arado 234". They were taken from the 3 and 5 o'clock positions. A white '13' is visible at the top of the fin and a light-coloured (presumably green) 'A' is seen on the fuselage side. This right side of the aircraft is in shadow so the black werknummer and remainder of the verbandkennzeichen can't be seen. Another image, taken from the 2 o'clock position (page 227) doesn't add any additional information. The caption states that the following:

As far as known, this Ar 234 which was captured at Achmer could not be flown out by the British. It had the unit code F1+AA applied to both sides of the fuselage, which would indicate in theory that it was flown by the Geschwader of KG 76 Oberstlt. Robert Kowalewski.

I have a photo in my collection taken from the 2 o'clock location but fully illuminated that shows that this aircarft's werknummer is in fact 140600. Pointedly, there is no entry for this number in the comprehensive werknummer list at the back of the Monarch book (Appendix 2).

Where did the 140113 werknummer assignment come from for this aircraft?

In Smith and Crrek's earlier Monogram publication on the Arado 234 - Close-Up 23 - there is a photo (page 11) of an Ar 234 with its code not visible but with the werknummer clearly readable as 140113. The caption reads:

This photo shows the Ar 234 S13 (the thirteenth production machine) after capture by British troops.

So, these are obviously two different aircraft. But, which was the one that later became Air Min 54 and RAF serial VH530?

Peter Evans has transcribed from the Monarch book information on the aircraft which assigns the wrong werknummer to F1+AA WNr.140600), and wrong code number to WNr.140113 (code unknown). Phil Butler ("War Prizes", p.88 ) more or less repeats what is in the Monarch book (or vice-versa) but claims that "F1+AA" WNr.140113 was surrendered at Schleswig - Smith and Creek state Achmer. Which is correct?

Based on the evidence, and assuming that the Werknummer was correctly noted, I believe that the Arado 234 identified as Air Min 54 / RAF serial VH530 was indeed WNr.140311, the S13 series production aircraft but not "F1+AA". Its full unit code is not (yet) known.

The Arado 234 "F1+AA" is WNr.140600. If, as the British claim, this particular aircraft was found at Achmer and for some reason could not be flown, then it makes sense that if 140311 was in better condition and flyable, it would be of greater value for evaluation. The significance of the white 13 on the top of the fin is not known, but based on the evidence it can't represent a 'series' code since this aircraft was one of the last to be produced.

Finally, I admit I can't answer the question on why the confusion between the two aircraft. This is a mystery and I would be interested in hearing fellow reader's comments.

Cheers,

David