[Mike Watson]

Originally Posted by David E. Brown

Gents,

A close look at the photo of the Ju 88 A in Post #4663 reveals that there is a small numeric-letter code visible just above the ‘h’ in the watermark. The letter looks to be a “K” though the number is unclear.

If “1K” this points to a machine with NSGr. 4, though I have not found any evidence that it used Ju 88s. Barry Rosch in his book notes that “1K” was also used by the Stab or Staffeln within III./KG 27, but this Geschwader operated He 111s.

“3K” was used by Minensuchsgruppe 1 and its Ju 52/3(MS) aircraft.

It is possible that the machine was an ex-I./KG 3 Ju 88 A-4 (“5K”) and used by another unit following the Geschwader’s disbandment in July 1944. But use the unit code would be redundant for a now non-existent Geschwader. And especially so since the aircraft was repainted and shows little sign of wear.

“6K” was assigned to Aufkl.Gr.(H) 23 though it did not use Ju 88s. Rosch notes that it may have been used by NSGr. 6, so it is possible that the machine was associated with this unit, though it does not appear that it operated Ju 88s.

If “9K” this would suggest a KG 51 aircraft. However, at this time its I. Gruppe had look since converted to the Me 262 and also the colouration of the spinner does not match the style seen on photos. Photos reveal this Geschwader and its sub units commonly had the front half or all of the spinner painted in the respective Staffel colour. Again, why paint this code on an aircraft not used by the unit?

Rosch indicates that the unit association with codes 2K, 4K, 7K and 8K are unknown. Is there any new information on these?

I also observe just ahead of the Balkenkreuz the lower half of a white letter, possibly an ‘E’ or ‘L’. Note also that the spinner has twin white rings in a style reflecting that used by KG 6. White + white would indicate 1. Staffel / I. Gruppe. Perhaps this was a machine from this unit that was reallocated once the unit began conversion to the Me 262. Certainly it has been re-painted, presumably overall RLM 75 on its uppersurfaces with a wellen of RLM 76. To me this looks like a modified night camouflage, and would support its nocturnal use. The the outer wing bomb racks might support this.

So: possibly “1K+we.E/LH” of 1./NSGr. 4?

Any thoughts on this machines identity are appreciated.

David

Hi David.

I followed a similar path to yourself and was fixated on the letter ahead of the Balkenkreuz being being 'K'. I since have subjected the image to a number of other examinations and I think that the letter may actually be 'N'. Considering this '4N' appears as the likely code pointing to an aircraft of Aufkl.Gr.(F) 22. Of course it is unclear but this may prompt other lines of investigation.

Mike