Question about the markings on the Bf109F-1 of Werner Mölders during the last quarter of 1940

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Lynn Ritger in The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Part 2 writes that the first production Bf 109 F-1 (W.Nr. 5628) was sent to Mölders for service testing at the beginning of October 1940. His first victories with it were claimed on 22 October (49-51) and 25 October (52-53) according to this source. In the JG 51 book by Stipdonk and Meyer there is a photograph of his fighter which was taken on 15 April 1941 and shows the rudder marked with 63 victories including roundels according to the caption. In the JG 51 book by Weal there is a photograph of the rudder of his fighter taken on 16 April 1941 according to the caption and which is marked with 65 victory bars including roundels and victory date information. In summery, the latest photograph of 1940 (possibly November 1940) shows the Stammkennzeichen partially painted over and 54 victories and the earliest of 1941 (12 March 1941) shows the Geschwaderkommodore markings applied and 61 victories. I agree that the photograph that Oberst posted is from 1941, possibly later than mid-April as the Geschwader emblem has been added.

Horrido!

Leo