colours of codes in III/JG5 in 1944

[Franek Grabowski]

I tried to find a rule but judging by losses colours change without any order. Also, what was complimentary colour to white, black and yellow? Did they use a vertical bar or wave?
Thanks

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi.

I think that a more thorough analysis will find that the colours of JG 5 during 1944 is quite standard. Remember that the reorganization to four Staffeln per Gruppe during July - August 1944 garbled things up a bit, resulting codes for for example 8. Staffel went from black to blue, and the Staffel itself was not a part of III. but II. Gruppe.

So before the reorganization:

III. Gruppe
7. Staffel - White
8. Staffel - Black
9. Staffel - Yellow

after:
II. Gruppe
5. Staffel - White
6. Staffel - Black
7. Staffel - Yellow
8. Staffel - Blue

III. Gruppe
9. Staffel - White (ex. 7. Staffel)
10. Staffel - Black (ex. 8. Staffel)
11. Staffel - Yellow (ex. 9. Staffel)
12. Staffel - Blue

Any discrepancies I would connect to the fact that the 12. Staffel were to be set up locally using 'available material' at first, or aircraft used by one unit but really belonging to the strength of another.

Regards,
Andreas

[Franek Grabowski]

Hello
I suppose that aircraft or pilots were quite often borrowed to keep the strenght, I see no other reason why Bruscagin is listed flying Yellow 11 (unless clerk error).
Also, when the reorganisation actually took place? I understand there could have been some confusion, aircraft being dispersed to various Staffeln.
BTW Was R6 mod common with JG5 units in Southern Norway?
Cheers

[O.Menu]

Work in progress - (i unfortunately miss E.Mombeeck books waiting a French or English translation)

[Kjetil Aakra]

Andreas' listing is on the spot, as usual. As he mentioned there may be some "variations", but they are mostly caused by aircraft being transferred or even clerk errors.

In my experience the R-6 gunpods were not common within III. and IV./JG 5 in South-Norway in 1944. I have seen very few photos of such machines, and I think these were from 1943, if memory serves.

Kjetil

[Franek Grabowski]

Thanks for replies, it is really intriguing!