Any photo of Ar-234 F1+AA exist???

[David E. Brown]

Frithjof,

A few comments on the Ar 234 A, WNr.140107.

I have a photo of “E2+30”, WNr.140107 confirmed to have been taken at Schleswig. The photo was taken by P/O Steve Butte of RCAF 401 Squadron, who arrived at the airfield on July 14 on a ferry flight and later that day took photos of the German aircraft there. Extant published photos of this aircraft have been incorrectly captioned, stating that the aircraft was found on a US-controlled airfield.

In his book "War Prizes", Phil Butler states that there were two jet aircraft known to have been at Schleswig; an Ar 234 and Me 262. Their identities were not known and they were eventually shipped to the Royal Experimental Establishment at Orfordness and then nothing else is heard of them. I suggest that the Ar 234 was “E2+30”, WNr.140107.

Interestingly, he goes on to say that of all the Fassberg Me 262's, only one was flown to Schleswig, "Yellow 17", WNr.500210. Why is not known, but it is an important clue in sorting out the respective aircrafts’ identities and fates. This is especially so since he says that there are two unaccounted for AirMin numbers - 78 and 79, and that the latter was assigned to an Me 262. I think that it is beyond coincidence that there are two unaccounted for AirMin numbers and aircraft, and so believe that the aircraft can be identified as follows:

Air Min 78 - Ar 234 B - "E2+30", WNr.140107, E-Stelle Rechlin
Air Min 79 - Me 262 A - "Yellow 17", WNr.500210, 3./JG 7

As a final note, contrary to previous suggestions, Air Min 52, the Me 262 given to the RCAF and thought to be buried at CFB Downsview in Toronto, is certainly not "Yellow 17". Comparison of camouflage pattens in photos taken of both aircraft conclusively confirm this. I will have more to say on the identity of AirMin 52 at a later date.

Cheers,

David