[Marc-André Haldimann]

Originally Posted by S Sheflin

I suppose this shouldn’t piss me off any more, but it still does. This poorly-reproduced copy, like numerous others of the defining photos taken at Fl.Horst Neubiberg, was taken by Merle C. Olmsted, and as usual, he is not credited. In fact, that’s Merle in the photo.
Beyond that, there is an interesting back-story to this photo. Several times, Merle told me that he was drawn to pose with this particular aircraft because, unlike most of the other II./JG 52 Bf 109’s that featured yellow rudders and cowl bands, this aircraft (WNF-built Bf 109 G-10/U4, WNr. 61xxxx, 1+ - black o/l white, from 5./II/JG 52) featured a “dull faded red cowling.” I was so intrigued by his assertion that I asked him about it on several occasions just to confirm it.
Should this be true, it would certainly make for a striking Messerschmitt indeed.
Respectfully,
Steve Sheflin

Thanks Steve, for giving proper tribute to Merle C. Olmsted, and the full story behind this photo, including this tantalising red nose for this particular plane. Is W.Nr. 610583 not confirmed ?

Cheers
Marc