Captured Ju 87 B at Grove

[ChristianK]

Gentlemen,

is there any info available on this aircraft?

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P01523.025

Caption says its Werknummer is 335, operational code is ??+TV. There two other photos in the AWM collection which show parts of this plane, but do not reveal any additional information. Does someone has any idea on the unit or the complete Werknummer?

Cheers,
Christian

[edNorth]

My vague files (combined with abowe photo) suggest this might be Ju 87 B-1 W.Nr. 0870335 4D+TV of IV/KG 30. This unit (just from memory) retained a few on strength. Ju 87 B-1 0870316 was with this unit when crashed in 1941.

Maybe someone else can confirm.

[ChristianK]

In my opinion it sounds very good what you have there, Ed. May I ask what's your source?

Cheers,
Christian

[ju55dk]

I can confirm Ed's memory, but it was 4D+TW. I have a crystal clear photo of the plane, and entries from FB frm IV/KG 30.

Junker

[ChristianK]

Ah, thanks Jörn. This also explains the light colored code letter (should be yellow then) of a 12th Staffel, instead of a red one for 11.

Does your photo show whether this Ju 87 B-1 still had the old exhaust stacks, or if there was any emblem on the cowling? According to Ketley & Rolfe the 12./KG 30 possibly used a stork carrying a bomb. Any info here?

Cheers,
Christian

[ju55dk]

There are no Gruppe/Staffelmarkings on this Ju 87, but i do have photoes from 1943-44 were this or the other Ju 87 is carrieng the diving eagle of KG 30 but without the background shield. And among the loads of pictures from IV/KG 30 I have never seen the stork emblem on any maschine of IV/KG 30.

Junker

[edNorth]

Great thanks Junker! I had already noticed late last night it was "4D+TW" (12. Staffeln code).

Best regards
ed