Seeking fate of first captured Bf109E to reach Britain, "Red 9," WNr.3326 of 2./JG51.

[Bertrand H]

Larry and Robert,


J-Y. Lorant wrote in two parts a remarkable article in the French Magazine Air Fan (n°208 and 209)

He wrote (summed up):

First airworthy 109 in French hands was red 6 (3326) 2./JG51, Uffz Georg Pavenzinger, 28/9/1939, 10h30 at Geudertheim.

After to be repaired (leak at the tank) at Nancy-Essey Cne Rozannoff did a first flight ON 10 october 1939. He did a belly landing following failure on a tab (but also a poor and wet runway)

On 21/12/1939 one Hudson from RAF boscombe down landed in Nancy with different crew and pilot Wing/Co Mac Kenna. Hudson and Bf109 took off with Mac Kenna on 22/12/1939 to Coulommiers then Chateaudun and at last Tangmere. On 9/01/40 this 109 was still at Tangmere then this 109 COULD BE removed then sent to RAE of Farnborough by truck. Any info after this.

Bertrand

[Larry Hickey]

Bertrand,

We knew that it got to Tangmere, but what happened to it after that? Was it ever test flown at the RAE? This seems to be the mystery.

Regards,

Larry