[sidney]

These photos prove that identifying fighter units by the sported emblem is not always a straightforward matter. It shows force-landed Bf 109 G-4/R-6 (W.Nr. 14997) "White 2" of Uffz. Herbert Meissler of 7./JG 52 (i.e. of the third Gruppe) with the later I./JG 52 Gruppe emblem, black hand crushing a Spitfire over the Channel, on the engine cowling being examined by highly ranked Soviet officers (that is, photo No.4). The aircraft was reported to have been that of the future 352-victory Experte, then Lt. Erich Hartmann, who at the time of the incident was sent on leave to rest and recuperate following the forced landing of this aircraft on 25 May 1943. It is thought that the engine cowling was taken from a cannibalized Bf 109 G-2 of I./JG 52 and fitted on this Bf 109 G-4 of 7./JG 52 at a front repair depot. Eastern Front, Kuban, shortly after the incident of 28 May 1943.