Re: Bf 109's, vol 2 p 251
Dear Andreas,
Gentlemen,
Although I have yet to get a copy of Ken Merrick's latest publication and therefore cannot positively identify the photo in question, I have a distinct notion that it is part of a series of photos taken at Bir-el-Abd after this airfield was abandoned by the Luftwaffe in November 1942. Two images of this series can be seen on page 260 of Jagdfliegerverbände Vol. 8 / II. If this is not the case, please forget the following comment.
The identity of the two Messerschmitts in question has been ascertained for some time - the Bf 109 G-2 in the foreground, carrying the marking " white < 3 " belonged to Stab/JG 77 and was most likely the a/c with the WerkNr. 10 501. The markings identify this Bf 109 G as part of Stab/JG 77 which sported a single white chevron together with a small white numeral ( vide JFV 8/II, p. 269 ).
The Bf 109 F-4 trop in the background belonged to 9./JG 27; III./JG 27 was the only Bf 109 unit in North Africa to use the old wavy line as Gruppen-symbol so that there can be no doubt at all as to the "owner" of this a/c.
Hope this helps
Jochen Prien
|