Help please in identifying german aircraft "Werk-Nr." plate

[gerbil]

[stephen f. polyak]

Peter,

Superb photos! Yes, that's what it is, and I would say it's from Ofw Krenz's aircraft given the sum of information in this thread.

In checking my records and other (stored) plates, I relearned - as this shows - that there were variations in plate face styles (e.g., acid-etched "Werk-Nr.") and that aluminum was used (perhaps more often earlier in the war?).

Thanks for sharing the photos.

Steve

[gerbil]

There is more...............
The photograph posted below has been kindly copied to me to me by a fellow researcher of 113th Battery LAA, to whom the original image belongs.

His grandfather served with 113th Battery LAA in North Africa during both 1941 & 1942 and kept a photographic record of his campaign which he still has. Apparently his grandfather's "gun" in the battery (Bofors 40mm) was the one responsible for downing the Bf109 shown in the photograph below, but it appears that there is no record with the photograph album of where or when this ocurred precisely.

The aircraft in the photo bears a shield and cross insignia on its engine cowl and the number 8 on the fuselage side. There is an oblong marking on the fuselage in front of the tailplane but any markings on it are indistinguishable.

The question is........ is this the aircraft from which Capt Howell of 113th Battery also removed and kept the Werke-Nr Plate 8703?

I appreciate that it is entirely possible that 113th Battery shotdown more than one Bf109 during the campaign but can anyone help please in confirming or otherwise, from the details and markings on the aircraft whether these tie in with the Werke-Nr 8703 and whether or not this could be Ofw Herbert Krenz's aircraft?

Any information /ideas obviously very welcome

Gerbil

[gerbil]

[stephen f. polyak]

Pete,

A further search turned up Bf 109 F-4/trop (8703) Yellow 12 + - as Ofw Krenz's aircraft. That said, I believe that the photo does show a plane from II/JG 27. I expect others - more knowledgeable in these areas - will reply.

Steve

[G.R.Morrison]

Your photograph may show WNr.10279 of the 6./JG 27, Bauchlandung (belly-landing) 4.Sept. 1942 near Quotaifiya. The pilot's name was not recorded.

Krenz's WNr.8703 was "gelbe 12 + -"

GRM

[gerbil]

Thanks Steve/GRM - at least I know what I'm looking for now - gelbe 12!

Pete

[Falcon]

An other picture of the "yellow 8"...
http://www.me109.info/display.php?a=e&fid=1003

[gerbil]

Yes, definitely a bit bent.

What can you tell us about this one below please - This is from the same photo album from 113th battery member, no suggestions this was shot down but perhaps "found" when landing ground overun.

I have clarified with the owner of these pictures that the only caption on the previous "yellow 8" in the album is "Bf 109".

Still looking for a picture of "Yellow 12" Jg 27 if there is one out there, or of Herbert Krenz.

Thanks

Pete

[gerbil]