Seeking info on 1./JGr126 W12+I, & unit penguin insignia on Bf109D-1s circa 11.39

[sidney]

Larry,

I have a photo of a Bf109D-1 with the penguin with umbrella emblem. Since the aircraft is photographed in a hangar, it is likely that the photo was taken in the winter time. However, whether that was the winter 1938-39 or 1939-40, is unfortunately not possible to tell. Although the aforementioned photo is not exactly a close up of the emblem, it looks to me that the emblem does not look much different, if different at all, from the version sported on Arado Ar68 aircraft. Based on the limited photographic evidence, it is possible that the emblem design change occurred at the time of the Gruppe's transition to the Bf110 aircraft.

Regards,
Sinisa

[Larry Hickey]

Sidney,

Thanx for responding. Would you be willing to send me a copy of the photo to which you refer? We've since confirmed that the 109D-1s of 7./ZG26 - 1./JGr126 did carry the penguin/umbrella emblem, probaby on both sides of the forward fuselage. Still seeking more photos of additional Bf-109Ds from this unit, and especially the identity of the regular pilot on the 06.11.39 runway collision, and W.Nr. of W12+I written off that day. We've finished our profile of that a/c with the emblem on both sides of the aircraft. The example that we know about is very similar to the one used on the Bf110s of 7./ZG26. We are also doing "White 9+I" for 7./ZG26.

I'm sending you a PM, in hopes that you are willing to provide a copy of your photo.

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator