Bf110 with unusual code and emblem.

[ianatheling]

On eBay here there is a nice close up photo of a Bf 110. There is an unusual tactical code of '49' painted on the nose and a large shield emblem (slightly covered by a prop) which I do not recognise. I have attached a close-up of the emblem. Any ideas on unit will be much appreciated?

Regards

Ian

[ianatheling]

A second photo from eBay is here. There are two further Bf110s. One has stkz of KS+AF, the other a tactical code of 60 and the same emblem. The emblem is smaller than on the first photo, but complete. I think that it is Zerstörerschule 2. I would still appreciate comments/confirmation

regards

Ian

[John Vasco]

The emblem was used by III./ZG 26 in the Med, and was later seen on Bf 110s of ZS 2. Hence the ZG 26 Geschwader emblem in the top right corner.

Source: Photo collection of pilot Balthasar Aretz, who flew with III./ZG 26 in the Med. Emblem seen by me on photos of Bf 110s he had, taken during his time with III./ZG 26 in the Med.

Some sources say that the emblem is solely ZS 2, but that does not explain the ZG 26 emblem. My sight of Aretz's photos clearly shows the initial provenance of the emblem.

[ianatheling]

Thanks John for the reply, and especially the link to ZG 26. I had noticed the emblem in the corner, but had assumed that it illustrated the unit as a zerstorer formation rather than specifically ZG 26. I will keep my eyes open to try to find the emblem on ZG 26 aircraft. I assume that these eBay photos are ZS 2 Bf110s, given the general environment.

Cheers again
Ian

[John Vasco]

The emblem is number 786 in the Ketley/Rolfe book, but in that book only ascribed to ZS 2.