Help needed (Two Bf109/Trop)

[ouidjat]

Hello Gentlemen,

I'm looking for détails about the following two machines:
- WNr8577
- VE+TR or VE+TP
... Well, three

Last: Espenlaub was supposed to have 14 scores at the time he was shot down.
Is that score confirmed and if so, was it fully displayed on that fatal day? (since the available photos I know aren't that clear)

Thanks for your help.

Best regards, Franck.

[kaki3152]

The picture of "White 11" in the old Fighters Over the Desert shows two lines on the rudder presumably 7 and 7 but the detail is hard to see.

[G.R.Morrison]

No luck with 8577. As to your other requests:

Bf 109F-4/trop WNr.10096 (Stammkennzeichen: VE+TP) was serving with the III./JG 5 when it suffered engine damage (reported as 10%) 14.March 1943 southwest of Petsamo. It was reported lost 15.June 1944 while serving with the E-St./JG 101.

WNr.10098 (VE+TR) got around: While with the Stab/JG 3 on 23.May 1942 Geschwaderkommodore Günther Lützow experienced a technical failure and ‘Aussenlandung’ near Tschugujew, where it was damaged 10%.

While serving now with the Stab/JG 52 it was damaged (15%) 4.July 1942 by enemy fire at Jasenki.

Finally, Ltn. Wilhelm Vetter, Staffelführer 1./Schl.G. 2 went MIA 22.March 1943 (cause and location unknown). At this point it was coded “weiße 3”

As to Espenlaub’s rudder, examining the photo in the 1969 edition of Fighters Over the Desert, I’m not entirely convinced we’re looking (at an acute 1 o’clock angle) at two rows of Abschußbalken. Just beneath these is ‘daylight’ showing through the rudder frame, which makes me wonder if it is damage, or the fabric cut away (but then, Why leave the slight space between rows?).

GRM

[ouidjat]

Hello Gents,

- 8577 no answer for the moment.
- VE+TR Hmm .... very useful; Thanks GRM! Cause and location unknown? This must be checked seriously.

As for Espenlaub 8477, Weisse 11, I'm still a little bit frustrated.

Thanks a lot guys; I hope more answer ...

Best regards, Franck.