[David E. Brown]

Hmm,

The large white “54” on the nose is most likely the last two digits of the aircraft’s werknummer (I have observed a few examples where this is confirmed with views of the tail). This marking appears to be not uncommon and is seen in photos on a fair number of Ju 88 As (very rarely on Gs), ranging from two to four digits of varying sizes and colours (white, and rarely black). On rare occasions it is on the ventral bola and sometimes just the aircraft’s individual number is painted there. All of these markings would be useful in facilitating aircraft identification when approached from the front and certainly in those situations when concealed in revetments and at the edge of tall vegetation. My guess is that this is a unit applied marking to facilitate rapid identification.

Another better known example of similar markings is the He 177, where three digits, with the first being ½ the size of the last two, were applied to the ventral bola in black.

I would think that the number on the motor is again, the last four digits of its serial number, with the letter J indicating “Jumo”. Presumably there would be a corresponding number on the port motor cowling in a similar location visible to the pilot and flight engineer. Some examples have postscripts; i.e., a slash with two digits, perhaps indicating the date of last overhaul?

For the other markings – R1042 / 450, I don’t know, but I have seen similar ones before, one example being some photos of Baumbach’s Ju 88. Any observed are all on the port side of the nose.

I would defer to Art’s expertise and hope he can weigh in here with some insights as to their significance.

Cheers,

David