Seeking ID of strange "cheese grater" device on below cockpit window of some 1940 He111s

[ChrisS]

Thank you very much David for putting things straight!! The Grainger illustration matches the photograph and therefore, as you say, must be the box connected with the forward MG. The photograph however is not of the Hendon example but is a wartime original. It would be superb to see your photos of the Hendon example published. Am I correct in saying that the aircraft is essentially unrestored and in an original internal condition? Other than the Bf 109 G-2, I believe it's true that all the Hendon Luftwaffe aircraft are in this condition??

Thanks also for the information on the chute cover. Subsequently I've found two other shots with this cover in place, your explanation has made sense of these photos.

Cheers!
Chris

[David Ransome]

Hi Chris,

You are correct in that the aircraft is essentially unrestored although a group was trying to do some work to it before it was moved into the BofB display. For privacy reasons I won't mention his name but one of the group does use this board and may wish to make further comment, particularly regarding some of the earlier well intentioned but misguided/amateur attempts at 'restoration' mainly in the cockpit area.

Certainly in the late eighties I spoke with one of the museum officials who told me that with limited financial resources and because it is the 'RAF Museum' priority was given to RAF/Allied types. Whether this was true then or now I couldn't say, although I would hazard a guess!

BTW, the Robert Michulec He111 Aircraft monograph (1994?) shows the Heinkel factory produced sectional cockpit views on page 53 and the rear cover shows yet another interpretation of the cockpit area, with item 49 supposedly being a signals flare pouch - again!

I must get those photos sorted!

Regards

David

[David Ransome]

Oh, and by the way, whilst there is much in the way of originality internally it would not be true to say that it is in its original condition, unfortunately!

David