Hauptmann Gustav Rodel's G-4 help please

[G.R.Morrison]

The Bf 109G-2 (not G-4) illustrated is not Rodel's aircraft. It belonged to the Stab of the JG 77. The Kommodore at this time was Joachim Muencheberg. The photos of this machine were not taken on Sicily, but on a satellite field near Arco Philaenorum, Libya. There was no II/JG 27 badge on the cowl.

This is an excellent example of a mis-identification being repeated enough times to gain it legitimacy. There are photos of other Stab JG 77 Bf 109G-2s with very similar markings (white chevron, small numbers): <1, <3, <6 come to mind.

I was able to determine WNr. and loss date (some time in October I believe, I cannot recall precisely), but I don't happen to have that handy here at work; IF I remember, I'll post it when I get back on Wednesday.

Sorry to put the cat amongst the pigeons, but there are a number of examples of repeated mis-identifications that continue to haunt us: Schroer's Bf 109E-7/Trop "schwarze 8" that's not his; Rudel's Ju 87B-2 "T6+AD" that not his, etc.

HTH, GRM

[F19Gladiator]

The Rebuilt Bf 109 G-2 (Ex Spanish HA-1112) given this camouflage and labelled as Rödel's kite, in the Luftwaffe Museum, Gatow, Berlin, is adorned with the W.Nr. 10575. I do not know the source the Museum is relying on.

The W.Nr. 10575 put on this ac is a Messerschmitt serial of an Erla built series of 384 G-2/Trop, between 07.42 and 12.42. (Source: Messerschmitt Bf 109 F,G & K Series, J.Prien & P.Rodeike, Schiffer, page 63)

The museum aircraft has been given a yellow 4 instead of white 4. It is also showing the II/JG 27 emblem on the cowling. The b/w pictures indicate a white 4 though, and I have so far not seen a picture with the II/JG 27 emblem on the cowling - Even if it might exist???? As it is doubtful that this is a JG 27 ac at all (See posting above), it might well be that it never caaried that emblem for obvious reasons!

Google on Bf 109 and Rödel and you will find pictures of the museum aircraft painted as "tripple chevron 4".

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by G.R.Morrison

The Bf 109G-2 (not G-4) illustrated is not Rodel's aircraft. It belonged to the Stab of the JG 77. The Kommodore at this time was Joachim Muencheberg. The photos of this machine were not taken on Sicily, but on a satellite field near Arco Philaenorum, Libya. There was no II/JG 27 badge on the cowl.

This is an excellent example of a mis-identification being repeated enough times to gain it legitimacy. There are photos of other Stab JG 77 Bf 109G-2s with very similar markings (white chevron, small numbers): <1, <3, <6 come to mind.

I was able to determine WNr. and loss date (some time in October I believe, I cannot recall precisely), but I don't happen to have that handy here at work; IF I remember, I'll post it when I get back on Wednesday.

Sorry to put the cat amongst the pigeons, but there are a number of examples of repeated mis-identifications that continue to haunt us: Schroer's Bf 109E-7/Trop "schwarze 8" that's not his; Rudel's Ju 87B-2 "T6+AD" that not his, etc.

HTH, GRM

George! Glad you deigned to join us! Love to have the date and Wnr.

[canonuk]

Originally Posted by G.R.Morrison

The Bf 109G-2 (not G-4) illustrated is not Rodel's aircraft. It belonged to the ..... Ju 87B-2 "T6+AD" that not his, etc.

HTH, GRM

Hey,

I'd love to hear where you got this information. I've seen this aircraft attributed to Rodel in many places, so I'm keen to hear where you found out it's not his.

Thanks,

Joe