interesting captured DO-17 photo on e bay

[obdl3945]

Hi...

Great photo...

Given that the aircraft code is apparently fully alphabetic (GS+NE?), and with the number 5 on the rudder, it might suggest some sort of training unit, perhaps one of the Blindflugschulen... ? Admittedly, many of those were to be seen with the characteristic narrow double yellow fuselage bands, which are missing here. It seems to be an early Do17E/F subtype, judging from the curved, bracket-shaped item lined up with the lower part of the engine cowling (radiator or some such thing, perhaps?)

The caption in English, He's Had It, on the tailplane, and the caption to the photograph stating that it is 1943 vintage, might suggest that it was captured somewhere on mainland Europe, perhaps southern Italy after the Allied landings there... ? However, Franek says he's seen a photo of the machine from the other side, so is it actually a hack on a German-held airfield with the remains of a Spitfire in the background, or a captured machine, as the caption states, with tailplane graffiti in English...? Would be good to see the photo of the machine from the other side, though, if Franek or someone could provide it.

Regards...