Dear All
Late as always, when looking in Jagdwaffe Vol 4 Sec 4 (publ in 2004) the aircraft has been "downgraded" a bit to "thought to have been abandoned at Catania in July 1943" and "possibly flown by Gustav Rödel". Two photos shown, right side only...very typical of course, since the three view drawing here shows the left side. Jagdwaffe shows the right side in their colour profile and this W
ITHOUT any JG 27 marking.
With ref to GRM and his thoughts about WNr 10645, Prien in his JG 77 Vol 3 quotes a British report that it was found on Melacha airfield on 22.1.1943 and only fuselage remains was found. Importantly this report seems NOT to mentioned the digit 4, but ONLY the three chevrons. This find should also be put in context with the initial report by Luftwaffe that it was only slightly damaged (25%) at an unknown base when it crashlanded 1.12.1942. Also the two published photos shows, to me, an aeroplane that has made a ground loop (look at the landing gear...) which also, to me, is NOT indicative of a crashlanding, but maybe the German language in reports was rather unprecise. Neither does the photos look like the aeroplane has hit any obstacle, but again they are onesided and it would be very interesting to have a look at the other side. Has anyone any reference where the left side is shown?
So GRM I still have doubts about the ID of the WNr being correct, but I am in favour of those who say it is from JG 77 and not JG 27.
Unfortunately Jagdwaffe does NOT say from where THEIR pictures originate. The two lightly clad individuals could be from either side, but IF the photos were taken by the British then the aeroplane is deff not captured under "fuselage parts". If it is German photos, well....
Cheers
Stig