[Harold Lake]

Jerry Crandall's prima-facie evidence is certainly the sort of recollectiion historians relish. Yet, without intentionally casting a disparaging shadow, we must fairly ask ourselves if this revelation (and implied conclusion) is absolute? By that, I mean can we find supporting evidence whereby one could positively verify this assertion by matching a photo of a known airfraft's serial number with the so-called "reverse" bands, to an official manifest, combat or loss report, repair order, or log book?

Thus far, all we apparently have is the werknummern for ONE Fw 190 with these curious bands. And according to some, this machine like the one in the Bueschel photos (W.Nr. 380352, blk 10), had "The Fighter" unit emblem of JG 11. Incidentially, this emblem was inspired by the well known bas-relief sculpture, created by Arno Breker, whoes work adorned the Reichschancellery.

Furthermore, is there an official reference linking either W.Nr. 737938 or 380352 with JG 301? Gentlemen tHAT is the question. And what of Steve Sheflin's photos which reportedly show several Fw 190s with these "reverse" bands? Again, without a serial number to trace back to an official record, or spot a known pilot or other personality in, or next to, one of these aircraft, how can one honestly say, beyond doubt, these machines belong to JG 301? This is not merely a pejorative question but one that hits the core of thoroughly solid research.