Question about the markings on the Bf109F-1 of Werner Mölders during the last quarter of 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,



Among the EoE WG (Working Group) our experts have been discussing the color profile project as it relates to the Bf109F-1, which was just coming into service with JG51 during the last quarter of 1940. We're trying to decide if anyone flying F-1s during this period merits a color profile for their Stab section or Staffel during that period of time. The obvious question arises about the F-1 of Werner Mölders during this period. There are many photos available of the F-1 that he apparently flew during that period, factory coded SG+GW, WNr5628, but there are none that I know of FOR CERTAIN that carried his Gesch Kde stab markings on this a/c before the end of the year. There are photos with the factory code in black and with the factory code painted out, but none that I know of that show this a/c with Stab markings in place before the end of the year. During this period, his a/c clearly showed his full scoreboard on the rudder, which was revised as his score increased. Does anyone have any proof one way or another that this a/c actually carried Stab markings at any time during this period? If he didn't, does anyone have any hard info as to why he didn't have his stab markings painted on this F-1? We know that his a/c did eventually carry a full set of Gesch Kde markings at least by early 1941.



Who can help here?



Regards,



Larry Hickey

EoE Project Coordinator