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J U + - - as a Stammkennzeichen Allocation
Servus, Kari, Tony, et al!
Is it just a coincidence that the J U + - - codes that Tony has put up were all borne by Junkers aircraft?! Indeed, the reason is very likely that these J U + - - markings were left over from the short period (few weeks only)
in 1939 when a kind of interim or "proto" Stammkennzeichen system was employed for military aircraft. The codes in this short-lived system reflected the manufacturer and perhaps a particular factory: "W" is known for Wiener-Neustädter Fabrik, "H" for Heinkel, "F" for Focke Wulf, and so forth. It further appears that at least some of these "proto Stammkennzeichen" endured for a very long time after initial assignment—perhaps permanently—while others (such as that for the Fw 190 V prototype) were quickly replaced by a "normal" or "traditional" Stammkennzeichen.
Because so many anomalies and oddities show up in Luftwaffe markings practice, it is of course possible that the Bf 109G-2 that Kari is offering bore a "J U + - - " code. But I for one still remain skeptical that this "J U + - - " code represented the proper SKZ for WNr. 10 357. The answer—if Gerd Stemmer or someone else has it—will be most interesting to hear. I hope, Kari, that you will continue to keep us posted.
Best,
RA
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