Crashed Bf109 ?

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
On ebay this photo of a crashed Bf109, said to be a German aircraft downed in Russia.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/351876193781

If my memory serves me well this is a Slovak aircraft that crashed at the wars end or post WW2, cannot recall which is correct.

Alex

[Rottler]

Hello Alex,

according to the article Slovak Air Force-News in warthunder.com from 5 Nov 2014 (author Petr Žižka) this photo shows the shot down Bf 109 G-6 WNr. 161717 of the Slovak squadron 13 on 26 June 1944, pilot Pavel Zeleňák.

Regards
Leo

[Alex Smart]

Thank you Leo,
My memory seems to be OK then ��
Alex

[Many Souffan]

Hello Alex.

I confirm what Rottler have written.

This Bf 109 G-6 Wnr 161717 ("with the worst engine of the unit") is one of 15 bought by the SVZ, used by Letka 13 used from January/February 1944. the unit was renamed "reserve squadron" and incorporated into the 6th Reich Defense Air Division. The White 6 was the personal mount of Jan Reznak and shared with Pavol Zeleniak.

The 26 june 1944, 857 bombers and fighters of the 15th Air Force enter Austro-Slovak space.

Jan Reznak had to take off with his white 6 . At the last minute, he was replaced by Pavol Zelenak. The 109 has engine problems. The pilot decides
to return to base. Upon landing, he was shot down by a P-38 Lightning. It is Reznak who will take out from cabin his injured friend with head and arm injuries.

All this story was told by Jan Reznak himself when I met him in 2002 at Piestany, Slovakia.

[Alex Smart]

Thank you Many for your confirmation post.
Alex