KG53 markings

[gwdsoldat]

My friend & I are investigating the crash of Heinkel He111 A1+LN of 5./KG53 in November 1940. We are confused about the colour of the 3rd letter (L) of the marking. The colour of the 5th Staffel was red. However the G report (Air Intelligence 1(g) ) compiled at the crash site stated:-

"Markings: AL+LN (outlined in white). This marking together with Swastika on rudder had been blacked out. Spinners, red"

The mystery I am trying to resolve is that the G report does not refer to a red letter.

Also, I have recently seen an article in Aeroplane magazine about the shooting down of a sister aircraft- A1+BN- on 30 August 1940. In that case the Intelligence report stated:-

"'B' black, with white edging. Spinners red"- & this appears clear on the black & white picture.

This is confusing as we would expect the B to be red (especially as I have seen a colour picture of A1+LL of 3./KG53 in December 1940 which appears to have a yellow L- with the rest of the marking blacked out for night operations).

Can anyone help?

[Chris Goss]

Welcome to the nuances of Luftwaffe markings! Why has A1+ZD of Stab III/KG 53 shot down on 9 Sep 40 got a white Z?

[gwdsoldat]

Interesting- according to my chart it should be Green!

[Nick Beale]

Markings: AL+LN (outlined in white). This marking together with Swastika on rudder had been blacked out. Spinners, red.

There are many cases (and photographs) of Luftwaffe night bombers with their light-coloured markings overpainted with black, to make the aircraft less conspicuous. It is quite likely that the red was still there, beneath a layer of black.

[gwdsoldat]

Thanks- thats a huge help.