Dornier 17Z F1+FH markings 15th Sept 1940.

[Larry Hickey]

Phil,

A 1940 search of the "Eagles Over Europe" photo DB for I./KG76 photos returns 108 images. There are many examples of a/c from all three Staffel, plus the Stab carrying the rare "Florian Geyer" Gr insignia (before it became the Gesch insignia). So, there is no shortage of known images from I./KG76. I show 10 images just for F1+FH, including both before and after it was shot down. I'm aware of the report of the "7" painted on the wing, but none of the EoE collection photos show this marking. The outboard wings on both sides of F1+FH were sheared away as the a/c fell to earth, so these do not appear in any photos of the main part of the crash wreckage. The crash investigators must have found one of the wingtips separated from the main wreckage to have observed this.

In the photos ground, including one with its crew, at a LW base before it crashed, no wing top surfaces are visible. They do show the 1 Staffel devil insignia on the forward fuselage, and white prop spinners and fuselage code letter "F."

Chris, regarding the photo you sent me of F1+JK, curiously, the swastika is now shown on the tail. Does it appear in any photos that you have of this a/c? A color profile is planned for that a/c, and knowing whether the swastika was tail centered or fin only is essential go getting this right.

Regards,