He-111 - Losses in Poland 1944

[Fenix78]

What can say basing on this photo?
I know only that it is III./KG 53 (Emblem on the nose).
Photo probably was taken in Poland in 1944 in the area of city Kęty
(near city Bielsko, also near city Auschwitz). Probably because I am not completlly sure that this photo was taken in Poland.

Do you have any idea ??? Does anyone can confirm losses this kind of machine at this time?

Does anybody help ??

[Merlin]

The aircraft was an early H-variant (H-1 to H-4) operated by the unit from summer 1939 until spring 1941. III./KG 53 operated at that time only over the western front but not over Poland.

[Fenix78]

Thanks Merlin. So from this photo I can tell that it wasn`t taken in Poland in 1944. It was taken probably in 1939/41 year.

Please tell me. Does in this years possible is flying this unit over Poland ?

[PMoz99]

The info at ww2.dk has III./KG53 based in and near Poland from December 1940. Is this info correct?
Also, my source regarding the He-111 variants and engines shows the Jumo 211A-1 to be identical to those in the photo here, and states they were used in the H-1 version.
According to the same source, the H-3/H-4 used Jumo 211D-1 and F-1 engines. I believe the F-1 version had longer starboard air intakes (see photo), but what of the D-1 version? Can anyone tell me if it had the same short intake as the A-1, or the longer intake of the F-1?
Thanks
Peter

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Merlin

The aircraft was an early H-variant (H-1 to H-4) operated by the unit from summer 1939 until spring 1941. III./KG 53 operated at that time only over the western front but not over Poland.

Also, a prominent unit badge would have been common early in the war but was rarely seen in 1944.

[Fenix78]

Just behind the wing, is a cross hardly visible on a white background. What did it mean? This is before the Luftwaffe sign.

[Eduardo]

Hi ;
I can see that this was a vary early Heinkel H-1 subtype
which one can easily identify by it’s upper cooler flush to surface with right
air intake near it’s wing leading edge and no waist gun option.(jumo 211 A1)

Eduardo.