JG 5 Theo Weißenbergers 100th victory

[Kjetil Aakra]

Hi Horst.

According to my research Weissenberger and his mates in 6./JG 5 had a few Bf 109F-4s and the G-2/R-6 from January 1943 until July 1943 when the first G-6s appeared (and still continued to use the G-2 for some considerable time). If the individual number you quoted, "Yellow 4", is correct for the date mentioned (5. July 1943) I feel certain that it was his old G-2/R-6 inherited from 6. Staffel, especially as he took command of 7. Staffel only a few weeks earlier, on 15. June, if my sources are correct.

Are you absolutely sure that Weissenberger did not have underwing gondolas on his G-2 at the time indicated (June-July 1943)?? If you have a photo showing otherwise it would be very interesting to see it. Maybe this photo was taken after he claimed the victories you mentioned?

An alternative interpretation is that your photo actually show "White 4" (which would be appropriate for a 7. Staffel aircraft) as white and yellow can sometimes be hard to distinguish on black-and-white photos, especially within JG 5 which seem to have used a dirty white colour at times.

In any case, if the Abschussmeldung shows 3xMG 151 to have been used you can be sure that it featured underwing gondolas.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Kjetil Aakra