Air Ministry 52 in Canada eBay listing

[David E. Brown]

Hi Vince,

As you recall, based on my research the Downsview Me 262 is AirMin 52 / VH509 but its original German identity was unequivocally NOT Yellow 17 (WNr.500210), "Twente 2" (WNr.112372) or Yellow 5 (WNr.500443) but in all probability the fourth single-seat Me 262 aircraft found / surrendered at Schleswig and seen in the background of several photos taken there.

Its precise identity is uncertain but photographic and circumstantial evidence support the interpretation that it is an aircraft from JG 7, originally from I. Gruppe and coded "White 2" (1. Staffel ). It appears to have been transferred to the nightfighter unit 10./NJG 11 where its JG 7 unit markings and codes were overpainted. It was re-coded “Red 1” in the same style as other aircraft in its new unit. Its Werknummer is not known but the camouflage and markings point to coming from the end of the 111000, 112000 or 113000 Werknummer series (probably 1123xx) and it is hoped that a photo will eventually emerge confirming its Werknummer. It, along with is sister ship AirMin 51 (WNr.112372; above), are believed represent the only known examples of single-seat jet aircraft used operationally as nightfighters by the Luftwaffe during the last weeks of World War II.

Regarding “Yellow 17”, I believe that it became AirMin 79 and was the unknown / unaccounted for Me 262 that ended up at Orfordness along with the Arado Ar 234 B that is believed to have been AirMin 78. My bet is that this was “E2+30”, WNr.140107 of Erprobungsstelle Rechlin that was photographed by P/O Steve Butte of RCAF 403 Squadron at Schleswig on 14 July 1945.

Cheers,

David