ID of He111:E with Condor Legion insignia, Luftwffe Tail Markings and code "72"

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Thanks for everyone's help on previous pre-war bomber markings. Here's another one:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...0%3D%26fvi%3D1

Can anyone explain these markings? Luftwaffe code "72" should be KG257, but with national marking for Condor Legion. However, aircraft in the background with same code has Luftwaffe tail markings. Says this is at "Rangesdorf." Also, what is the unit insignia on the nose? Looks a little like a version of the KG55 insignia but it clearly is not.

Thanks for any help on this.

[Graham Boak]

The link takes me to a Morane 406.

However, from other photos I suggest that you may be seeing not a Condor legion black disc but an exercise marking - a red disc.

[Larry Hickey]

Graham,

Oops. Put the wrong address up for the eBay photo. Unfortunately I'd already ditched the eBay auction photo, although I have a scan of a better copy without the obliterated swastica. Your explanation of the "exercise marking" makes total sense. I've seen that in the reference material before. Do you know when these exercises were held? This has the old style wide red horizontal band on the He111 tail with the swastica in a white disc, and a tail code of "72o???." This might help date the photo.

Thanx,

[Peter D Evans]

Could this possibly be the red disc versus blue disc manoeuvres of autumn 1937?

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

[Larry Hickey]

Peter,

The red disc is certainly consistent with the photos, and the aircraft markings, so I'd go with an autumn 1937 date as most likely.

http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1&u=11993385

I've added the photo posted above so that you can see what it looks like. I'd appreciate any info on the ID of the griffon insignia on the nose, as well.

Thanx,