Any photo of Ar-234 F1+AA exist???

[SMF144]

Fauste,

I was able to locate my photo of Ar-234, 140600, F1+AA and it's relatively the same as the one Mr. Brown posted, but Fw.190s can be seen behind it. Now, what makes this period photo interesting is transcribed on the back is the following information:

“Flensburg - one of the first German jets.”

I acquired this image from an RCAF Typhoon pilot.

Regards,

Stephen M. Fochuk

[Frithjof R]

Gentlemen,

Having done a lot research before issuing my booklet on the Ar 234 in Norway (see reference otherplace on this forum) I may clarify this.

1. One source confirms that the pictures of F1+AA=140600 marked "13" was taken at FLENSBURG.
2. Another source confirms that 140600 was one of the 9 Ar 234 which left Leck on 5 May 1945 heading for Stavanger/Norway. However, the flight was aborted and the pilot landed at FLENSBURG. Pilot: Uffz Eckerlein. Also see my booklet page 8.
3. A third source confirms that the photos of 140107 also marked "22-07" was taken at SCHLESWIG.

My conclusion is as follows.
1. 140600=F1+AA also marked"13" was found at FLENSBURG. Final destiny of aircraft may have been scrapping at Flensburg or transport by surface to Britain or France.
2. 140107=E2+30 also marked"22-07" found at SCHLESWIG. Final destiny of aircraft may have been scrapping at Schleswig or surface transport to Britain or France.
3. 140113=E5+20 found at SCHLESWIG. Flown to Britain in June 1945 and assigned codes AM54 and VH530.

Happy New Year
Frithjof Ruud

[David E. Brown]

Frithjof,

A few comments on the Ar 234 A, WNr.140107.

I have a photo of “E2+30”, WNr.140107 confirmed to have been taken at Schleswig. The photo was taken by P/O Steve Butte of RCAF 401 Squadron, who arrived at the airfield on July 14 on a ferry flight and later that day took photos of the German aircraft there. Extant published photos of this aircraft have been incorrectly captioned, stating that the aircraft was found on a US-controlled airfield.

In his book "War Prizes", Phil Butler states that there were two jet aircraft known to have been at Schleswig; an Ar 234 and Me 262. Their identities were not known and they were eventually shipped to the Royal Experimental Establishment at Orfordness and then nothing else is heard of them. I suggest that the Ar 234 was “E2+30”, WNr.140107.

Interestingly, he goes on to say that of all the Fassberg Me 262's, only one was flown to Schleswig, "Yellow 17", WNr.500210. Why is not known, but it is an important clue in sorting out the respective aircrafts’ identities and fates. This is especially so since he says that there are two unaccounted for AirMin numbers - 78 and 79, and that the latter was assigned to an Me 262. I think that it is beyond coincidence that there are two unaccounted for AirMin numbers and aircraft, and so believe that the aircraft can be identified as follows:

Air Min 78 - Ar 234 B - "E2+30", WNr.140107, E-Stelle Rechlin
Air Min 79 - Me 262 A - "Yellow 17", WNr.500210, 3./JG 7

As a final note, contrary to previous suggestions, Air Min 52, the Me 262 given to the RCAF and thought to be buried at CFB Downsview in Toronto, is certainly not "Yellow 17". Comparison of camouflage pattens in photos taken of both aircraft conclusively confirm this. I will have more to say on the identity of AirMin 52 at a later date.

Cheers,

David

[Frithjof R]

Hello David - thank you for useful info.

It seems clear that 2x Ar 234s were brought to France in 1945. However, I have never seen any werk nos, nor any pictures of these aircraft. Personally I have 3 "candidates":
1. 140107 from Schleswig
2. 140600 from Flensburg
3. 140343 from Stavanger

I would not be surprised if any pictures ever surface at least one of the machines are marked with"13" from 140600 or "22-07" from 140107.

Any information regarding the "french" Ar 234 would be appreciated.

Regards Frithjof