Weeping Raven JG 51 armour plate

[markjsheppard]

Hi

Interesting photo and claims.

Had a quick look through The Battle of France - Then and Now by Peter
Cornwell.

Hurricanes, Spitfires and Blenheims were difficult to tie in. Interestingly 4 Swordfish were shot down and two others damaged on the 29th May 1940. Unfortunately or interestingly all claims were by 3./JG54 and not JG51.

23.5.40 Two Hurricanes claimed by 1./JG51 - Fw Bär and Fw Oglogek (Hurricanes of 253 Sqn).

2.6.40 Hurricane Claimed by Oblt Priller and Uffz Haase (6./JG51) - correct unit - II Gruppe JG51.

Nothing else seems to tie up. Perhaps Peter can add more.

regards

MS

[harrison987]

Hi!

Armour for sure is not Me109 or Fw190. I suspect, due to the theme, that it is from an RAF bird...



Mike

[Andy Saunders]

What you have is the pilots head armour from a Hurricane.

I am sorry to say that I very much suspect it may not be all that it purports to be. I stand to be corrected, but I'd even hazard a guess as to the identity of the artist!

[Peter Cornwell]

I agree with Andy. The claims detailed bear no relation to known Lw claims filed by II./JG51 or any other unit for that matter. But that Swordfish is a nice touch. All is not lost for such 'original' homages produced by Alf Batt can attract their own market. Caveat Emptor.

[rhinogobius]

Alf Batt ? please explain more , who is / was he and does this relate to the 70's when this item was purchased.