Need info: BF109 with checkerboard pattern on nose

[harrison987]

Hi!

The Me109 never had a checkbaord pattern on the nose. If you do a search wihtin this forum using the keyword "checkerboard", you will find a few threads on the subject.

When it came to markings, the Germans were fairly strict strict on what markings went where. Certain provisions were given to having a coloured (yellow) nose, nose band, oil cooler, etc. Some bands were wide...some thin...some noses not completely painted at all...slightly different placement, etc.

JG1 was famous for having the checkrboard nose in 1943. They constantly flew high altitude missions to intercept bombers of the 8th AF. As part of the "Defense of the Reich", JG1 started using distinctive coloured fuselage bands to as a quick identification in combat. The bands were abandoned during early 1944, however. The checkerboards were divided into black-white, black-red and black-yellow for the 1, 2 and 3 Staffeln respectively.

JG1 was stationed in Central and Western Germany from 1943-1945. I would almost say 100%, it was a Fw190, which was mis-ID'd as Me109...even a P-51 is a possibility. For sure not an Me109, though...


Mike