Bf 109 G-4 Wk Nr 15053

[Chris Goss]

Does anyone have any extra information on this aircraft? Coded Yellow 12+I, it was captured at Elmas and made airworthy by the 350th FG. It carried the badge of 1.(F)/122

[ouidjat]

Hi Chris

15053 was 6./JG51 machine found by Brits at Cagliari on 31.8.43
The 1.(F)/122 yellow 12+ found at Elmas is another machine for which WNr. is unknown.

regards,
Franck.

[Nick Beale]

Attached extract from "Captured Enemy Aircraft, Sardinia, List No. 6", if it's of any help. (TNA AIR 40/2160)

[ouidjat]

Hmmm ... complicated:
Why a G-6 in Nick report? 15053 is clearly a G-4/Trop in its production batch.
Why that "inclinated lozange" in the same report? If II./JG51 the machine ought to have one II. Gruppe bar before the cross, not "something" after the cross.
...
Elmas and "Cagliari" is the same area: Cagliari, in a report, means nothing except one of the place in Cagliari area; could have been Cagliari-Monserrato as well as Cagliari-Elmas, hence Elmas.
...
In Michael Balss list 15053 is said to have "12 + -" markings; strange for a II./JG51 machine.
...
The 1.(F)/122 "yellow 12 + I" found at Elmas (why a Yellow code for a 1. Staffel?) didn't wear a III Gruppe bar but a II. Gruppe bar AND a III Gruppe bar that is something like a cross which could very well be the bizarre symbol described in Nick's report.
...
If The JG51 machine is cited (didn't see any picture as far I know)... By the contrary the 1.(F)/122 machine is pictured, largely, but, strangely, no one report (as far I know)
...
All of this put together and considering a new picture I just discovered in my mail box where the WNr. is visible but not that readable .. but looks like!

I will say that WNr.15053 of JG51 (said to be) and the 1.(F)/122 (said to be) are the same machine.


This is my complete and honest answer Chris.
Can't do more except if one information is missing.


Regards,
Franck.

[Chris Goss]

Franck: I was beginning to come to the same conclusion thanks to what I sent you from the 346th FS pilot