Meaning of German word "Buffard" seen on the nose of a 1./KG77 Ju88A

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

What does the word "Buffard" mean? It doesn't process on my German translator. Is it a proper name, place name, nickname for a girlfriend, etc?

This was painting on the nose of a Ju88A from KG77.

Thanx,

[ju55dk]

Hi Larry.

Are you sure that it's not Bussard instead?

Junker

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi, Larry

My immediate thought is that the word really is 'Bussard' and not 'Buffard'. the s being misread for an f.

(The same gothic typestyle as used for example for the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten:

http://www.aftenposten.no/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aftenposten

The meaning being Eagle or even Bird of Prey

Regards,
Andreas B

[Andreas Brekken]

Godammit, Jørn!! Beat me to it by seconds :-)

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Of course, it must be "Bussard," with would be Buzzard in English. While we're at it, I believe that I./KG77 Ju88s in 1940, and probably later, put a nickname on the nose of each plane with a word that began with the first letter of the a/c code, a practice seen in other Luft bomber units. Since this carries a I./KG77 version of the unit shield, and a white quarter segment to the front of the prop spinner, this would likely be 3Z+BH. Does anyone know of any other photos of this a/c showing the full code? Can the subtype and theater be identified, as well as approx date of the photo?

Your further info and opinions are appreciated.

Regards,

[ChrisS]

Hello Larry

I have a number f I./KG77 Ju 88 images with bird of prey names such as 'Habicht'-Hawk and Kauz 'Screech Owl' sadly all post 1941
Cheers

Chris

[Andy Saunders]

B = Bussard

There was also E = Eule on the same unit.

I think I have seen other names on aircraft of this unit, all linking to the individual aircraft letter. I just need to think where I have seen them, but a photo of a Ju 88 on an RAF lorry in 1940 rings a bell.

[Larry Hickey]

Andy,

The photo of a plane on an RAF lorry doesn't sound familiar to me. If you can think what that is about, it could be most useful. The Ju88A "Eule" is already scheduled as a profile.

Regards,

Larry

[Andy Saunders]

I don't know if he is a member of this forum (not checked!) but I had a photo copy of this image from Steve Coates, although I cannot currently trace the copy. Not sure where I would have 'filed' it.