Dornier 17Z F1+FH markings 15th Sept 1940.

[Phil Lloyd]

Hi all,

I have been researching the markings of Dornier 17Z-1 (F1+FH) which belonged to I Gruppe KG76, (famously shot down over London on September 15th 1940) and was hoping you may be able to shed some light on a few questions I have.

Attached is a 3 view image which I have roughly edited in photoshop to show my thoughts and would be grateful for any comment. I have listed a couple of questions/research info below to explain:-

-Were the fin/rudder pink tactical markings painted on both sides of the aircraft?
The well known rooftop photo of the port fin/rudder of F1+FH confirms these were painted on the port side but I can find no photo evidence of any a/c with both port and starboard painted, even though many artworks/models include both sides.

-Would the upper wing oblong have been on the left or right wing?
I believe this was to show the a/c position within the formation. Rolf Heitschs 'flamethrower' KG76 machine had the pink oblong on the port wing inboard of the cross.

-Would the upper wing F (if carried) have been in white as well?

-Was it standard to have the fuselage band carried on all KG76 aircraft?

-The spinners appear to have only had the tip painted white. One of them was taken as a souvenir and now resides in the RAFM collection. A photo of it is shown in the Blitz then and now vol 2.

Many thanks for any help
Cheers
Phil