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Re: NOT Rodel's G-4 machine (Sorry)
The Bf 109G-2 (not G-4) illustrated is not Rodel's aircraft. It belonged to the Stab of the JG 77. The Kommodore at this time was Joachim Muencheberg. The photos of this machine were not taken on Sicily, but on a satellite field near Arco Philaenorum, Libya. There was no II/JG 27 badge on the cowl.
This is an excellent example of a mis-identification being repeated enough times to gain it legitimacy. There are photos of other Stab JG 77 Bf 109G-2s with very similar markings (white chevron, small numbers): <1, <3, <6 come to mind.
I was able to determine WNr. and loss date (some time in October I believe, I cannot recall precisely), but I don't happen to have that handy here at work; IF I remember, I'll post it when I get back on Wednesday.
Sorry to put the cat amongst the pigeons, but there are a number of examples of repeated mis-identifications that continue to haunt us: Schroer's Bf 109E-7/Trop "schwarze 8" that's not his; Rudel's Ju 87B-2 "T6+AD" that not his, etc.
HTH, GRM
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