[David E. Brown]

Jim,

I went through my photos to see the variations in JG 7's III. Gruppe markings. As you note, confirmed III./JG 7 aircraft have the vertical bar positioned on the boundary between the blue/red JG 7 tailband. There are variations between the 9. and 11. Staffeln, but none are positioned at the span between the tail assembly and rear fuselage.

Gruppenstab
111???, Green 1+I, Black Double Chevron +I, Stab III./JG 7, Sinner, Parchim (short, black w/ white outline)

9. Staffel
11????, White 7+I, 9./JG 7, unknown (short, white)
111832, White?+I, 9./JG 7, pos. Brandenburg-Briest (short, black w/ white outline)
500???, White 13+I, 9./JG 7, pos. Leipheim (long, white)
500071, White 3+I, 9./JG 7, Mutke, Debensdorf (short, white)

11. Staffel
110007, Yellow 5+I, 11./JG 7, Schlöppler, AirMin 79, Fassberg (short, black w/ white outline)
500491, Yellow 7+I, 11./G 7, Muller, Dennis-Ginny H-888-FE-111, Lechfeld (short, yellow w/ black outline)

Therefore, the subject machine "Yellow 3" WNr.501221 is a 3. Staffel machine. Note also the similarity with the well-photographed "Yellow 8", WNr.112385 also of 3. Staffel that was found at Stendal. The style, size and dimensions of its '8' is identical to that of WNr.501221's '3'.

Best,

David