Avias B534 with 1. and 2./JG 70?

[Dénes Bernád]

Martin, I have not seen photos of the Avias while being crated, or being unloaded in Bulgaria; however, based on their constr. nos. one can try to find photos while they were in Luftwaffe service, sporting German markings.

[Martin V]

There is a new B-534 (about its service in Bulgaria) book coming this year from Japo publishers , so I hope we learn more regarding any German export markings on Avias B-534 soon, as well as the actual construction numbers.
Dénes I really liked Your Avia B-534 chapter in the Hungarian Fighter Colors 1930-45 Vol 2 book, dealing with the first captured Avia B-534, (24/3/1939 by Hungary). In the very first photo on page 202, the plane still wearing the old Czechoslovak insignia, is there any damage visible on the plane?(For instance just above the tailwheel.) Also, are the bombs still attached under the wing?
Best Regards, Martin

[Dénes Bernád]

Hello Martin, it's only now that I have time too look at the original scan for the details you are looking for (the photo in the book is too dark).

I can positively confirm the bombs are still in their racks.
About the damage to the tail area, there is something that looks like ruptured fabric skin , but I am not 100% positive. Check the detail photo for yourself.

Yes, I am aware of the book on Bulgarian 'Dogans', to be published by JaPo. I can state that my colleague Jaroslav Krec (whom I helped a bit) is the best person to write such a book, as no one (including Bulgarian researchers) knows better the topic than him. I am really looking forward to reading that book!

[Martin V]

Hello Dénes, many thanks for the ultra-rare close-up photo, fantastic. The Baptism of Fire book by Mr.C.B.Stenge describes this plane as being damaged by accurate anti-aircraft machine-gun fire(p.41), so Your picture confirmes that the bombs were still attached and
the area above the tail wheel was open. It is where the First Aid kit was located.
There could be damage there, as the opening seems to be irregular a bit. Also later photos
of this Avia indicate some irregularities in this area.
Best Regard, and Thank You.
Martin