Photos + 3-23-05

[David E. Brown]

In all probability, this Fw 190 D-9, “Black <-+-“,.was the aircraft of Obstlt. Gerhard Michaelski, Geschwaderkommandeur of JG 4. This aircraft was the subject of several photographs taken after the war but images of its port side – where its Werknummer and potential personal and unit insignia would be found - remained elusive

While the aircraft’s WNr. is unknown, its camouflage and markings suggests an aircraft from the 600370-600390 range. Most interesting is what I strongly believe is the Geschwader’ “armoured knight’s head” crest on the forward part of aircraft’s nose (based on study of the marking's size, shape and tone and comparison with photos of the aircraft noted below). Indeed, a rare marking on a rare bird.

The best depiction of this marking is seen in images of the Focke Wulf Fw 190A-8, “White 11 +-, “ WNr.681497 of 5./II./JG 4. This aircraft was flown by Gefreiter Walter Wagner who made an emergency landing at St. Trond airfield in Belgium on 1 January, 1945 due to flak damage sustained during "Operation Bodenplatte".

Cheers,

David