Photos 3-9

[David E. Brown]

Hi Eric,

I believe that you are correct in your thoughts that the R4M-träger in our book and the aircraft in this new photo are the same aircraft.

I came to this conclusion after spending some time comparing the various images of this aircraft. The photo of it on its belly must have been taken at a later date when it was being salvaged, but enough of it is visible to copare it with the one in our book.

Regarding the markings, photos of "we.<61" show an interesting feature. On the port side of the aircraft, the code is displayed as "<61". Yet on the starboard side it is the mirror image "61>". The number "57" is of the same style and size in all the images. Given the above observation, the new D-11 photograph in all probability had the code "57>" on the starboard side but can't be seen in this image.

I believe that there are enough comperable features in the photos of this aircraft to conclude that it was not an Fw 190 D-9 attached to I./JG 301 and Dave Wadman and I originally interpreted, but a rare Fw 190 D-11, WNr.220011, "we.<57" of the Verbandführeschule General der Jagdflieger.

A significant question remains: What was this unit doing with aircraft equipped with this weapon? There are some obvious possible explanations but certainly more reseach is needed.

All the best with the book!

Cheers,

David