Unknown (to me) emblem on a Bf 109E

[Dénes Bernád]

Although the original negative is blurry, the emblem on this Emil can still be discerned.



Can anyone identify it (including the possible location and timespan)?

Thanks,

[robert]

Hi Denes,

it`s stII./JG52. They used this emblem from winter 1939/40 well into 1940 (August?).

Regards

Robert

[Dénes Bernád]

Thanks, Robert, for the quick answer. I couldn't locate this particular emblem in the literature available to me (incl. the Jagdfliegerverbände series).
Is there a sharper view of this emblem available?

Edit: Apparently, I was looking in the wrong volume. In vol. 2 of die Jagdfliegerverbände, page 346, bottom, there is a nice view of the same emblem. However, it is described as the personal emblem of of Gruppe-Adjutant Lt. von Weizsäcker (a relative of the would be German president?) of II./JG 52.

[robert]

Hi,

of course it could be personal emblem but I saw it on every plane ("<", "<I") of staff II./JG52, which had been photographed in early - mid 1940.

Regards

Robert

[Larry Hickey]

Dénes,

I can confirm what Robert says. This was the emblem of Stab II./JG52, and it hasn't been properly identified previously in the literature. I have excellent images of this, and will be happy to provide you with a copy. Dr. Prien is well aware of this, as he and I have exchanged info about it in detail. This has just not made it into the literature yet, but he knows that this emblem is Stab II./JG52, and, I'm sure, will confirm this when the Holidays are over. This emblem was used from at least the spring of 1940, through at least the end of the Battle of Britain, as photos exist showing this on multiple a/c during this period, including from the period of both the WC and the BoB. I have about 5-6 images of this one in the EOE DB, and I know of no examples of this before early 1940, and none later later than about October, 1940. It appears that this was probably first applied about the time that II./JG52 aircraft were repainted from their 1939 camouflage-style to the 1940 camouflage, which took place about January or February, 1940. Examples include <<+, <+ and <I+. Your photo dates from the spring of 1940, and this aircraft probably was so marked and camouflaged during the period of the FC.

Regards and Happy Holidays to you and your family,

[Dénes Bernád]

Thank you, Larry, for the exhaustive and precise reply. Case clarified.

I wish you, too, all the best for the Holiday Season!