Bf109 WNr:1980

[Alex Smart]

Hi, some years ago I requested info on the capture of Bf109 WNr:1980. To date have received zero . Anything come to light in recent times ?
Alex

[Alex Smart]

OK, so no response so far. Is anything known of this aircrafts service, ie Squadron’s and Pilots ?

[Col Bruggy]

Alex,

What was your source for the capture of Bf109 W.Nr.1980?

Col.

[ouidjat]

https://me109.info/display.php?a=e&l=en&fid=18573

[Stig Jarlevik]

AE479 seems to have been the former WNr 1304 when captured.

After repairs from its landing accident 5 Jan 1941 it is supposed to have received the tail unit
of WNr 1480.

The photo does seem to me to say 1980 and not 1480 but can we be sure those digits seen in
the photo wasn't added post capture?

Anyone got anything on WNr 1480 since it also must have come down pretty intact on British soil?

Cheers
Stig

[bn785371]

WNr.1480 Franz von Werra II./JG3 5th Sept.1940 Marden

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks René

Having mulled over this for a while, I think the digit 4 became corrupted at some point
and was "improved" by someone into the digit 9....

Cheers
Stig

[Alex Smart]

Translation:
"
The photo was probably taken in June 1942 at LaGuardia Field near New York (USA). The looting machine was flown there to collect war bonds.
All markings were applied by the Allies for propaganda purposes.

According to the current status of historians, the AE479 should be the work number 1304. However, in this photo you can see the WNr. 1980. Was only the exchanged tail unit used here?

Note: For the search function of the website, the photo was initially assigned the WNr. Allocated in 1980."

The other photos do seem to show the aircraft in French hands before it was brought to the UK. And it definitely shows it as "1" under a tree, which I think was actually 1304 ?
Alex

[Chris Goss]

This is mentioned in the latest Iron Cross magazine which says that 1304 (Hier)was damaged and repaired using 1480 (von Werra)

[ouidjat]

Conclusion: there is no information concerning 1980