Seeking ID of photo of 10-victory "ace" reportedly from JG53 on eBay

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

At the EoE Project we're seeking identification of this photo which purports to show a pilot from JG53 next to the rudder of a Bf109E displaying ten victory tabs. The fresh yellow ID paint on the top of the rudder suggests Sept., 1940, and the Battle of Britain. Dr. Jochen Prien, who is the world's expert on JG53, cannot ID this photo which he has been aware of for many years. This suggests to me that it is likely not a JG53 pilot. The fact that the victory tabs are painted in white should drastically reduce the possibilities of the unit assignment of this a/c and may well provide the needed clue as to who this is.

Who can help us correctly ID the person in the photo and presumably the rudder of his ac?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300829901847...847%26_rdc%3D1

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator

[ahafan]

Originally Posted by Larry Hickey

Hello,

At the EoE Project we're seeking identification of this photo which purports to show a pilot from JG53 next to the rudder of a Bf109E displaying ten victory tabs. The fresh yellow ID paint on the top of the rudder suggests Sept., 1940, and the Battle of Britain. Dr. Jochen Prien, who is the world's expert on JG53, cannot ID this photo which he has been aware of for many years. This suggests to me that it is likely not a JG53 pilot. The fact that the victory tabs are painted in white should drastically reduce the possibilities of the unit assignment of this a/c and may well provide the needed clue as to who this is.

Who can help us correctly ID the person in the photo and presumably the rudder of his ac?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300829901847...847%26_rdc%3D1

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator

If the Tally's are confirmed post war.?
the jacket pilots his 1940 alright. I see iron cross 2rd class on jacket.
so a seasoned flyer..
but was they confirmed post war...
I'm useully good at BoB german aces.
ill keep a look out.
__
Sharon

[Jerry Crandall]

Hello Larry,
That pilot is Lt. Alfred Zeis of 1./JG 53. His tenth victory was a RAF Blenheim on 12th September 1940. The story is in Prien's JG 53(Schiffer) on page157,158 with a photo of Zeis's "White 3" Bf 109 on page 158.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Jerry

[Chris Goss]

Jerry beat me to it-it looks like Zeis and I have photos of him with exactly the same jacket-see page 144 of 'Brothers in Arms' which shows his White 3 with 10 kills on the rudder.

[Larry Hickey]

Jerry & Chris,

Thanx. You guys nailed this one.

My appreciation, and I'm sure, that of Jochen Prien as well.

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator

[Thierry K]

Larry
Please check your mailbox, Lt Alfred Zeis seems right.
Regards, Thierry

[Chris Goss]

I note that this went for over 200 Euros. An amazing sum for a photo of a pilot who was POW by 5 Oct 40. I am seriously considering selling my original photos if people want to pay this much!!!

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

I note that this went for over 200 Euros. An amazing sum for a photo of a pilot who was POW by 5 Oct 40. I am seriously considering selling my original photos if people want to pay this much!!!

Hey Chris, why not? With today's tech you can scan all your stuff, then put the selling proceeds towards really obscure books that only we idiots buy!

[Chris Goss]

John: You are right (albeit I would not call you and others an idiot!). The scans are invariably better than the original and, for example, if I can sell the originals I have of Priller's rudder, Mayer's rudder and Galland's rudder, I could retire and take things much easier. However, Mrs Goss would have designs.............

[ChrisS]

Let me guess, new curtains, new sofa....... my wife keeps looking at my library, "How much did you say that one is worth?"