Quote:
Originally Posted by Christian Schulz
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Coming in late on this thread I however start with your first badge, which I suppose is the one you have on top among the three posted here:
a) 1./JG 26
Axel Urbanke wrote an interesting article in "Luftwaffe im Focus - Edition6/2004, page 32-33, based on a port side photo of "White 6" of 1./JG 26, taken after a belly landing in France clearly showing the emblem under the cockpit.
The photo shows that it is not an eagle as published in several books but rather a mythological winged animal reminding of a Bavarian "Wolperdinger" which is a mythical creature of which the origins is a mystery according to Urbanke. (The head somewhat reminding of a combination of a lynx and an owl in my opinion.)
Urbanke further dismisses Caldwells claims in "The JG 26 War Diary" that the emblem was not introduced until September 1940 by Oblt. Henricki as the photo in the article shows a Bf 109 E-1 with pre-BoB camouflage and markings, believing it was taken latest mid-August - before Oblt. Henricki joined the unit. Photos confirm the use of the emblem until at least September 1941 according to Urbanke.
I find that the photos in the article confirms Urbankes description of the emblem, which is also represented with a drawing.
No comment on starboard side usage in the article.
I hope Mr Axel Urbanke excuses me for posting the "artists impression" from the article depicting the emblem on the aircraft in question. If not - I will delete it.
Adding a photo from eBay sales some time ago showing the emblem very similar to the emblem on the Bf 109 published in Luftwaffe im Focus Ed.6/2004, which photo however is sharper than this photo:
