postcard of DO 217 question on colours

[obdl3945]

Hi, Jerry...

These markings have intrigued me for years. I believe the machines are U5+BD and U5+CR from Gruppenstab, III.Gruppe and 7.Staffel, KG2 respectively. They were based in France during 1942-43, and all markings were apparently white... fuselage and wing bands and cowlings. Stills from the same roll of film can be found in the excellent new publication, Bomber Units of the Luftwaffe 1933-45 Volume1 by de Zeng, Stankey and Creek (Ian Allan) and Luftwaffe Codes, Markings & Units 1935-45 by Barry Rosch (Schiffer), the latter of which also shows U5+AR by its hangar, amongst many other publications over the years.

I can't for the life of me remember the reason for their application, but they are rather eye-catching for any interested modeller. Maybe someone else can supply the reason for these markings, please, and put me out of my misery...?

Regards...