David E. Brown

Gents, A bit off topic, but the photos of the Bf 109 E-4/B “CI+EJ” is most interesting from the camouflage perspective. As George noted this aircraft was completed in late August 1940 and immediately sent to Erprobung-Stelle Rechlin on 3 September. Obviously this aircraft was painted in several grey shades, with the introduction of greys RLM 74/75/76/77 being officially taking place in November 1941. The date of this photo in unknown, but could either be post-November 1941, or, sometime between September 1940 and November 1941. I state this with the knowledge that it was sent to a test facility / experimental facility, and the fact that there are at least four grey shades present in the photo. Starting with the fuselage, it is apparent that the spine was finished in RLM 74 (Dunkelgrau, grünlische) and RLM 75 (Grauviolett). Fuselage sides and the tail were finished in RLM 76 (Blaugrau / Weissblau) with mottles of RLM 75. The colours on the wings are where things get interesting. The camouflage pattern appears to be the so-called standard scheme, and I interpret three grey shades. On the wingtip the dark shade appears to be RLM 74, and inboard / adjacent to it is RLM 75. But next to that is an even lighter grey that I propose is RLM 77 (Hellgrau / Mittlegrau). The next shade (darkest) is RLM 74, and next to the wing root RLM 77 though much dirtier in appearance. Note also that the uppersurface colours have an irregular pattern along the wing leading edge. This is not seen on Luftwaffe fighter aircraft until late 1943. Interesting too is the plain black (un-outlined) Hakenkreuz on the fin. Hence, taken together, my suspicion is that this aircraft was used as a test bed for new colours to later be introduced in late 1941. A rare beast indeed. Best, David

Gents, From Harald Vogt’s book the following is a summary of the features of the various Bf 109 “Aufklärer” types: The Bf 109 G-2/R2, G-4/R2, G-6/R2 and G-10/R2 were fitted with the Rb 75/30 or Rb 50/30 camera located immediately aft of the cockpit between spans (Spants) 2 and 3. The lens cover was round and protected by a low relief squarish, oblong faring on the fuselage underside. The Bf 109 G-4/R3, G-6/R3, and G-8/R3 had pair of Rb 12.5/7x9 or and Rb 32/7x9 cameras mounted on the rear fuselage between spans 5 and 6 offset on each side of the centreline with the two small rectangular windows flush with the fuselage skin. They also had a small Robot II camera located in the leading edge of the port wing. The G4/R3 and G-6/R3 were also fitted with mounting hard points and associated plumbing to carry a pair of 300 litre fuel tanks. The hard points were positioned between spans 3 and 4 outboard of the landing gear tires. The control devices for the camera for all versions were mounted immediately beneath the centre of the instrument panel. Best, David Vogt, Harald H., 2012 Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Einsatzmachinen – Das Nachschlagwerk. VDM Heinz Nickel, Zweibrücken, 384 p.

Code: Green 3 / Black Chevron + WNr.: 111994 Pilot: Possibly Hptm. Erich Mikat, Geschwader Adjutant References: 1 photo: Smith & Creek, 2000a, p.569, Ethell and Price, 1994, p.45, Jurleit, 1993, p.123; Held, 1988, p.158 Camouflage: It appears that this aircraft may have suffered a significant accident that damaged its nose section requiring ist replacement. The photo reveals a new nose in overall 76 with long, horizontal streaks of possibly 81 and meandering lines of 82 or possibly 71 covering this region and extending back to the rear cockpit area. The aircraft’s original scheme is indeterminate (81/82) and its Werknummer is overpainted. Comments: Markings are all quite visible, as are the two WGr.21 rockets and launcher attached to the forward bomb racks. References: Ethell, J.L., and Price, A., 1994. World War II Fighting Jets. Airlife Publishing Ltd., Schewsbury, England, 271p. Held, W., 1988 Reichsverteidigung - Die deutsche Tagjagd 1943-1945. Podzun-Pallas Verlag, Freidberg, 184p. (English translation published by Schiffer Books under the title "Defense of the Reich - The German Day Fighters"). Jurleit, M., 1993b Strahljäger Me 262 im Einsatz - Alle Geschwader, Gruppen und Kommandos. Transpress Verlagsgesellschaft mbH., Berlin, 200p. Smith, J.R., and Creek, E.J., 2000a Me 262 – Volume 3. Classic Publications, Crowborough, 208p.

Gents, I am correcting my above interpretation (below) and concur that this machine is an A-4. I checked some other sources and note that two additional photos of this aircraft and pilot appear on page 124 of Rodeike’s book on the Fw 190 series (citation below). Photos of two other III./JG 2 aircraft in this book reveal similar camouflage to “Gelbe 9”: Werknummern 746 (the well photographed “Gelbe 4” of Oblt. Siegfried Snell) and 748 (“Gelbe ?”). It is thus most probable that “Gelbe 9” was from a small group around WNr. 720-760. Photo of these and other III. Gruppe aircraft show that their rudders were painted RLM 04 yellow. Camouflage was the then-standard RLM 74/75/76 grey scheme. Based on the known Werknummern and observed (and distinctive) camouflage pattern, these A-4 aircraft were manufactured by Focke-Wulf Marienburg (Bremen) between June 1942 and January 1943. The Werknummer range for this group was 0140 561 to 0140 810 (ca. 250 machines), with the above 9./JG 2 examples fitting nicely within this group. Hopefully more images of “Gelbe 9” will surface such that its Werknummer can be confirmed. Again, Mombeek's four volume series on JG 2 should be the best place to seek this information. Best, David Rodeike, P. 1998. “Focke-Wulf Jagdflugzeug: Fw 190 A, Fw 190 ‘Dora’, Ta 152 H”. Struv-Druck, Eutin, 444p.

Gents, Luftwaffe claims listings have this pilot with 9./JG 2 and making a claim for a B-17 on 4 July 1943 (it was not awarded by the RLM). Therefore it is probable that the aircraft's full Verbandkennzeichen would thus be "Gelbe 9+I". The machine is most probably an A-5. Dense fuselage mottling is a feature of all Fw 190s variants produced by AGO Oschersleben. If I had to guess I think that this new-looking machine from the 410001-410275 Werknummerseries during the April-June 1943 period, with the photos taken in April 1943. I suspect that more information about this pilot and complete identity of this aircraft are detailed in one of Erik Mombeek's books on JG 2. If someone has Volume 3 perhaps they can check and share any additional information here. Thanks for sharing these most interesting photographs. Best, David

Neil and George, Dave Wadman and I interviewed a former pilot from that Luftwaffe unit in the late eighties who surprisingly lived close to us. He had a small photo album given to all participants that included a number of unpublished photos. Let me take a look to see if there is any information I can add. Best, David

I suspect that “White 13” and “Yellow 13” are the same machine, with the yellow in the appearing light in the photograph. This could be due to the type of film used, developing process, etc. Confirmation of this could be through comparison of the machine’s camouflage pattern in the photos. And if the Werknummer is visible so much the better. With respect to the use of RLM 70/71 for the machine’s camouflage, note that the first profiles of it were made in the mid-1960s when prevailing knowledge was that German aircraft were camouflaged with colours 70/71, 72/73, and less often 74/75 per Karl Ries’ first book (1963). For example, the use of greys was defined as “Sonder-Anstrich” (special paint). However, his (and our) understanding evolved with the publication of his subsequent volumes with the identity of colours use for aircraft types and new colours 78, 79 and 80 (Ries, 1965, 1967, 1972). Later researchers built upon Ries' pioneering work and continue to do so today. Certainly we have unequivocal photographic evidence and preserved aircraft parts and aircraft confirming that later Me 163 machines were completed with the late RLM 81/82 series colours. Likewise, we can see that existing schemes were modified at the unit level in response to operational experiences (e.g. the need for ground concealment). Good examples of this are Me 262s of Kommando Schenk (I./KG 51) that wore a factory-finish RLM 74/75/76 scheme but quickly given a meandering or spotted pattern of a dark green. Likewise for Me 410s of various ZG Gruppen, and in Normandy Bf 109s and Fw 190s where various patterns of a dark green on fuselage side and engine nacelles (vertical surfaces) are seen. The bottom line is that our initial understanding of Me 163 camouflage is not as advanced as it is for other aircraft types, and most particularly the early production machines. Much ‘knowledge’ is a carryover from the first interpretations dating from the mid-1960s. I have significant doubts that RLM 70/71 were factory-applied camouflage colours, and that it was more probable that RLM 74/75 greys were applied as was fitting for fighter aircraft of the period. However, I have no hesitation in accepting that this grey scheme was soon modified at the unit level as it was inappropriate for and detrimental to ground concealment from mid-1944 onwards. More research is required to create a better understanding of Me 163 camouflage colours and their use over the course of the war. Best, David REFERENCES Ries Jr., K., 1972. Markings and Camouflage Systems of Luftwaffe Aircraft in World War II – Volume 4. Verlag Dieter Hoffmann, Finthen bei Mainz, 128p. Ries Jr., K., 1967. Markings and Camouflage Systems of Luftwaffe Aircraft in World War II – Volume 3. Verlag Dieter Hoffmann, Finthen bei Mainz, 112p. Ries Jr., K., 1965. Markings and Camouflage Systems of Luftwaffe Aircraft in World War II – Volume 2. Verlag Dieter Hoffmann, Finthen bei Mainz, 112p. Ries Jr., K., 1963. Markings and Camouflage Systems of Luftwaffe Aircraft in World War II – Volume 1. Verlag Dieter Hoffmann, Finthen bei Mainz, 110p.

Gents, While the Me 163 is not an aircraft type I have studied much, I might raise a few points here regarding the subject aircraft’s camouflage. Assuming that it is Me 163 B-0 V52 WNr.16310061, there is a photo of this machine on page 308 of Ramson and Cammann's book (2003) and page 50 of Karl Reis' book (1969) where it is coded "Yellow I" ("1") with 7./JG 400. Its Werknummer – 10061 – is clearly seen on the tail. The authors’ state that post-war records indicate that an aircraft with this Werknummer was coded "Yellow 13", and that a photograph is known of a "Yellow 13" from this period but with a different camouflage pattern. It is important to note that this machine is first recorded as being with I./JG 400 of 11 May 1944. It therefore must have been built in the previous month (April). Pointedly, this was several months before the promulgation of Sammellmitteilung 1 of 1 July 1944 that ordered the replacement of aircraft using colours RLM 70 and 71 with RLM 81 and 82, these being bombers, transports, liaison, and other types. Fighter are not listed though later in the year one or both of these colours were seen on fighter types. Thus, it is most probable that when completed the Me-163B-0 V52 WNr.163 10061 "GH+IU" was painted in the then-standard RLM 74/75/76 grey scheme for fighters. But as Ramson and Cammann note, when found at Husum it apparently had a different number and camouflage scheme, indicating that it was probably repainted in the RLM 81/82 colours at the unit level. I have not encountered the latter photograph of “Yellow 13” in any of my books, though suspect that it might be in an older publication. A colour four view profile series appears in Windrow's 1968 book (p. 51) where it is shown as "White 13" and completed in RLM 70/71/65. So, the photo after which these profiles have been created was published sometime in the mid-1960s or earlier. If someone could post a copy of the image here that would be most helpful. Thus, this aircraft has been a profile and decal / model subject for at least 55 years but as we all know our knowledge regarding Luftwaffe camouflage and markings has advanced considerably since then. Finally, I suggest visiting Rob de Bie's website on the Me 163 that has some good information on all aspects of this aircraft as well as camouflage and markings schemes: https://robdebie.home.xs4all.nl/me163.htm Cheers, David References Ransom, S., and Cammann, H.-N., 2003. Me 163 Rocket Interceptor Volume Two. Classic Publications, Hersham, 219 p. Ries, K. Jr., 1969 Dora Kurfurst und Rote 13 Band 4 - Bildband: Flugzeuge der Luftwaffe 1933-1945. Verlag Dieter Hoffmann, Mainz, 192 p. Windrow, M., 1968 German Airforce Fighters of World War Two - Volume One. Hilton Lacey, Chalfont St. Giles, 63 p.

Gents, The aircraft that was shot down on 15 September 1940 and crashed into London's Victoria Station was Do 17 Z-1 "F1+we.FH" WNr.2361 of 1./KG 76. The two photos of it taken prior to its loss show that it did not have the devil insignia. However, photos of its sister aircraft "F1+we.HH" does show that this marking was applied to this machine. Best, David

Wulfman, The photos in the reference you note (pages 342 and 353) were part of a series taken at Neuberg am Donau in March 1945 of aircraft of III./KG(J) 54. They are of the same machine: note its position relative to the concrete and grass, and the dark-coloured leading edge of the fin. On page 353 the book there is a profile claiming its markings were "B3+BH" of 1./KG(J) 54, but in the caption of the photo below it is stated the pilots were from the 7. Staffel. Likewise for the photo on page 342 where it is claimed this aircraft was a 7. Staffel machine. I concur with this identification. There are two photos of another similarly painted Me 262 in a hanger, and no doubt also from III./KG(J) 54 (and possibly done by the same painter). However, for both aircraft their complete Einheitskennzeichen cannot be determined. It is possible both were from the 7. Staffel but this cannot be confirmed, but if so would be coded "B3+?R". Best, David

There are at least nine Me 262s known to have been fitted with experimental wooden tailplane and rudder: 170047 – White 1, JV 44 / ex-7./EJG 2 (tadpole camouflage) 170061 – White 4, 7./EJG 2 / ex-Ekdo. 262 (tadpole camouflage) 170303 – V7, “V303” (tadpole camouflage) 170305 – Yellow 3+I 9./KG(J) 54 / ex-B3+AT (tadpole camouflage) 110367 – White ?, III.EJG 2 110376 – White 7, 7./EJG 2 (tadpole camouflage) 110383 – White ?, III./EJG 2 110621 – White ?, III./EJG 2 111617 – White 9, 7./EJG 2 (‘normal’ camouflage) This information is sourced from photographs and Dan O’Connell’s book “Messerschmitt Me 262 – The Production Log 1941-1945” (2005, Classic Publications, 224 p.) My understanding is that this experimental wooden assemblage was undertaken to assess the practicality of replacing metal components with wood and manufactured at smaller dispersed production facilities. Apparently they were determined to be quite functional though the war ended before they could be inserted into the Me 262 production stream. From colour photos of the V303 I interpret the colours as RLM 65 Hellblau and RLM 70 Schwarzgrün. Some photos suggest that RLM 71 Dunkelgrün was used in conjunction with RLM 70. It has a slight sheen complared to the near flat appearance of the camouflage applied to the rest of the airframes. This paint was applied at the facility manufacturing the tailplanes and is in no way associated with a specific unit. Best, David

Gents, I can find no photos of this machine in my files and books. I strongly suspect that this profile and box art art artists impressions based on an amalgam of various aircraft. That, or it is an attempt to the Me 262 A-2a that appears in the Luftwaffe training film. Nevertheless, the image of the KG 51 aircraft in the movie film on tripods testing the landing gear (posted above) is presumed by some to be WNr.170068. I can find no evidence to confirm this one way or another, though it is possible that they are the same machine. Like the well photographed WNr.170067 "White 2", it too was originally assigned to Ekdo. 262 at Lechfeld in July, 1944, and in the late summer transferred to I./KG 51. Regarding this aircraft’s camouflage and markings, this was a Leipheim-built machine from the 170054-170073 Werknummer series. With a few exceptions, photographs reveal that these machines were painted in the 74/75/76 grey camouflage scheme. WNr.170067 "White 2" is an excellent example as shown in the well-known and oft-published photo of the Lechfeld line-up of Ekdo.262 Me 262s. The rare exceptions are the few aircraft fitted with the experimental wooden tail having the so-called “tadpole” camouflage pattern. As such, both aircraft were probably completed in June prior to the introduction of the 80-series of colours on July 1, 1944, and subsequent introduction into the Me 262 production stream. Once the aircraft was transferred to I./KG 51 from Ekdo. 262 (likely late August-early September 1944), the unit applied a series of dark green snaking and streaky lines over the factory-applied RLM 74/75 grey scheme to assist in ground concealment. The RLM colour is unknown, but possibly RLM 71. These lines can been seen in the photos beneath the broad meandering lines of white applied by the unit in the winter of 1944-45 to enhance the aircraft’s air and ground concealment. The national markings are correct as shown in the profile, though the swastika had a black centre and white outline. All black versions are - with a few rare exceptions - associated with mid to late 500000 Werknummerseies machines. The aircraft must have had a single digit code number on its nose and a narrow yellow fuselage band (behind the cockpit) like other aircraft from Ekdo.262. These would have been painted out once it was received by II./KG 51, possibly with RLM 75 grey. Hope this helps, David

Or, you could purchase the revised and English-version of Roland Remp's book published by Schiffer: https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Germanys-Nightfighter-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764312294/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LHSZ21WYMX6L&keywords=Roland+Remp&qid=1641004153&s=books&sprefix=roland+remp%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C76&sr=1-1 Cheers, David

Jochen, Send me your email address via The PM for this site and I will forward the image described. Best, David

Regarding the primer colour, this is documented on NASM’s Me 262 A-1a “Yellow 7+I”, WNr.500491 of 11./JG 7. This light grey primer was applied to the entire aircraft prior to painting as noted in the NASM pre-restoration reports prepared by Bob Mikesh and Mike Lyons. They indicated this primer was visible on the lower fuselage sides as the RLM 76 was applied only to the wing and fuselage undersides and limited to the point where the fuselage sides have an acute vertical angle. This primer is a rather warm shade of grey that is identified as FS36559 (on the Federal Standard 595B colour fan). From my comparison with the RAL 840-HR “Farbenflächer RAL-K5” it is slightly lighter than RAL7033 “Cement Grey”. It is also replicated in Merrick and Hitchcock’s “The Official Monogram Painting Guide to German Aircraft 1935-1945” (Monogram Aviation Publications, Boyleston MA, 1980, p.143). The Fw 190 Fs photographed at Tempelhof post-war you mention are interesting. They display a myriad of camouflage colours and markings styles. There is no doubt that these aircraft were all being recycled and converted to the F-8/F-9 variant. There was an Fw 190 production line and a repair facility in the Berlin-Tempelhof buildings operated by Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH. Following its occupation by the USAAF in July 1945, all aircraft and the factory equipment were removed out of the buildings and dumped onto the airport apron to be scrapped. There are a number of photographs of these wrecks that display a variety of original unit markings. It is believed that more than 1,000 Fw 190s were overhauled and repaired there, with incoming machines later converted to F-8/9 standards. Intriguingly, there is also the oft-published NARA photograph of a group of at least 18 Fw 190 fuselages in a small facility at Kölleda Germany. They are all without motors with some obviously operational machines with unit markings, and others apparently new. The tails on eight are new replacements and interestingly only the ninth appears to have its original tail. This is a new Fw 190 A-9 WNr.206057. I strongly suspect that all these machines were also being repaired and converted to Fw 190 F-8s and F-9s. What their new Weknummerserie would have been is unknown. Best, David

“Yellow 8” is an A-8 as seen from the front view showing the motor’s cooling fan blades. Their layout indicates 12, thus indicating a BMW 801 D-2. I do not use photo-hosting services, so if someone wants a copy of this image and post it here, contact me. Some have compared this machine to “Red 22+-“, WNr.490044 of 6./II.JG 301 to postulate that “Yellow 8” is also an A-9. I cannot see a relationship except for its unit affiliation. “Red 22” is an A-9 built by Focke-Wulf Anslau, with a small group of about 30 aircraft built over the December 1944 to January 1945 period: WNrn.490020-490050. When compared to Red 22”, “Yellow 8” has noticeable camouflage and markings differences: The Hakenkreuz is the black and white H2a style versus “Red 22’s” solid black H3 style. Its fuselage upper/lower surface demarcation line is lower than ““Red 22’s”. As well, its tail originally had few if any mottling with the stripes applied at the unit level. “Red 22’s” has a heavily mottled tail applied at the point of production. The contrast between its wing upper surface colours is lower than “Red 22’s” lighter RLM 75/77, possibly RLM 81 and 82. Eduard’s proposed WNr.206147 for “Yellow 8” is unlikely. Compared to extant photos of other A-9s from the 206031-206200 Werknummerserien (built by Focke-Wulf Cottbus in November-December 1944), what is visible in the colour photo of “Yellow 8” does not match the more bolder and thicker digit style of this series (it also appears on both sides of the fin). To me this appears to be a recycled aircraft with repaired components from other aircraft, thus explaining the unusual haphazard scheme. Until a clearer image of the Werknummer surfaces, its true identity will remain unknown. Best, David

Colin, The II. Gruppe colour was red. With respect to colours assigned to the Gruppe and associated Staffeln, it is as follows: Staffel (Staffel letter) > colour Gescheaderstab > blue or green I. Gruppe > white Stab (B) > green (or blue) 1. (H) > white 2. (K) > red 3. (L) > yellow II. Gruppe > red Stab (C) > green (or blue) 4. (M) > white 5. (N) > red 6. (P) > yellow III. Gruppe > yellow Stab (D) > green (or blue) 7. (R) > white 8. (S) > red 9. (T) > yellow IV. Gruppe > blue Stab (E) > green (or blue) 10. (U) > white 11. (V) > red 12. (W) > yellow V. Gruppe > green Stab (F) > green (or blue) 13. (X) > white 14. (Y) > red 15. (Z) > yellow Note that there was wide variation amongst the Kampfgeschwaders in how these colours were displayed on individual aircraft. Variations also existed within Staffeln and Gruppen. Colour combinations or single colours could be applied to the spinners or not at all. Some Kampgeschwaders - 2, 54 and 76 - had narrow bands around the fuselage in various locations. Aircraft letters could be a solid colour, outlined in white or black, or if solid black outlined i. The respective Staffel colour- or not at all. Likewise the Geschwaderwappen. One really needs to study period photos of the unit and it’s aircraft to determine (or make an educated guess based on deductive reasoning) its markings scheme. BTW, more information on the exact date and location of the incident might help with identifying the aircraft and possibly pilot and crew. Best, David

Presumably the machine was a Do 215 E “U5+ro._N”. The KG 2 Holzhammer wappen would presumably have its background colour that of the Gruppe, not the Staffel.

CR and George, I have an image is of the machine in question: Do217N-1, "D5+FM", 4./NJG3, pos. WNr.51462, in-flight, Denmark 1943. Lord knows where it was sourced from. I cannot post here as I do not use a hosting service but can send via email. Drop me a PM above. Obviously it is a rather scruffy looking aircraft and probably an early N-1 based on the old B1-style fuselage Balkenkreuz. Though the image is poor, some thoughts can be extended regarding its camouflage. It was originally painted with RLM76 undersides and fuselage side, and solid RLM75 uppersurfaces. This scheme must have been considered unsuitable for operational conditions and was modified at the unit level with large dark patches on the uppersurfaces (RLM74 or RLM22?). The fuselage sides are heavily mottled, possibly with RLM75. An enlarged view appears to show fine interconnecting irregular lines possibly of RLM76 that form a sort of 'web' pattern. The "F" has a lighter tone than the "M" and shares similarities with "D5+FM" of the same Staffel. What colour the code is is unknown, but to me looks too dark to be RLM77 "Hellgrau". A strange beast indeed. Best of luck with your build

Gents, Way back in 2002 I posted the following on Hyper-Scale in response to a similar question: Based on a comparison of the style and dimensions of the aircraft's number with other known JG 6 Fw 190 As and Ds, and the location of this aircraft and the others after the war, JG 6 is the best unit match. Furthermore, JG 2’s machines invariably wore the yellow/white/yellow tailband whereas JG 6 did not. "White 16's" camouflage and markings were the same as other late-production 500000-Werknummerseries Doras built by Mimmetal at Erfurt. The well-known colour photograph of the 6./JG 6 Dora "Blue 12", WNr.500570 indicates that its undersides and fuselage were painted the green-blue variation of 76. The fuselage spine and engine cowling were painted RLM 81 Braunviolett and with an RLM 82 Hellgrün overspray on the forward cowling and rear fuselage insert. The fuselage underside was left in natural metal from the wheel well back to the fuselage insert. The rudder appears to have been painted a light coat of standard RLM 76 Lichtblau over a base coat of RLM 75 Mittlegrau. Upper wing camouflage was a modified splinter pattern of 81 Braunviolett and the green-blue variation of RLM 76. The undersides were a combination of natural metal and RLM 76 with the forward third a darker shade, possibly RLM 75. This camouflage scheme is consistently recognized in photographs of other later production 500000-series Dora aircraft. Here are some other examples: WNr.500570 - 8./II./JG 6 - "Blue 12" - Surrendered at Furth. Ref: D.E. Brown & D. Wadman, "Experten Decals No.1" (7 photos). WNr.500613 - 10./III./JG 26 - "Black 10" - Found at Celle. Ref: C. Hildebrandt, "Broken Eagles 1 - Fw 190D" (4 photos). WNr.500618 - 10./III./JG 26 - "Black 10" - Found at Celle. Refs: A. Urbanke "Green Hearts: First in Combat with the Dora-9" (3 photos); J. Crandall, “Yellow 10” (photos). WNr.500638 - 5./II./JG301 - "White 12" - Found at Langensalza. Ref: J.V. Crow (6 photos). WNr.500645 - ?/.I./JG 2 - (Code unknown) - Discovered burnt out in northern Germany. Wooden Ta 152 tail. 08-05-45. Ref: Smith & Creek, Monogram Close Up-10 "Fw 190 D" (1 photo). WNr.500647 - 7./II./JG 26 - "Brown 4" - Found abandoned at Hustedt. Wooden Ta 152 tail. 08-05-45. Ref: A. Urbanke "Green Hearts: First in Combat with the Dora-9" (2 photos). WNr.500666 - 7./II./JG 301 - "Yellow 15" - Found at Straubing. Ref: C. Hildebrandt, "Broken Eagles 1 - Fw 190D", J.V. Crow (2 photos). BTW, there are two other known photos of this machine. Best, David

Glad to help. Looking forward to seeing the completed model. D.

Werdna, I am working on an article for Morten Jesson and Andrew Arthy’s “Air Warfare” on Steinhoff’s Me 262 and his last flight. Hopefully it will be completed and published in the first half of 2021. Dave, thanks for the kind words! Cheers, David,

Will do. D.

Gents, The Allied Crashed Enemy Aircraft Report 255 of 10 October 1944 indicates this aircraft’s markings as follows: “Works No.180404, 3E+HK. (‘H’ outlined in red). Call sign DR+JD”. So, the Verbandkennzeichen was probably RLM 77 with the ‘H’ outlined in red (for the 2. Staffel). Best, David

This machine – “3E+HK”, WNr.180404 of 2./KG 6 – was a well photographed aircraft found abandoned at Brussels-Melsbroek in September 1944. From some of the better images one can discern a demarcation line near the top of the fuselage side. Hence, this would support the fuselage and wing upper surfaces as being in the standard pattern of RLM 70 Schwarzgrün and RLM 71 Dunkelgrün. Undersides and the tail (rudder and vertical stabilizer) are RLM 22 Schwarz, over which are sprayed large patches of the almost white version of RLM 76 Weissblau. Note that the port wing has a single colour, likely RLM 71. The Verbandkennzeichen “3E+HK” is either RLM 77 Mittelgrau, or more likely RLM 23 Rot (i.e. the 2. Staffel colour). If interested, I can forward via email the relevant photos of this aircraft as I do not use a hosting service. Best, David