IL2

Messerschmitt Bf-110G Zerstörer NJG3.4 (B4+KA) WNr 110087 01

Photo 01: Meanwhile, in late November 1944, Nachtjagdstaffel Finland was redesignated and became once again Nachtjagdstaffel Norwegen, retaining the unit code 'B4' originally allocated to NJ-Staffel Finland, together with the earlier formation's Staffelletter 'A'. Finally, in March 1945 and while still based at Kjevik, the Staffel was again redesignated and became 4./NJG3. With the end of the war on 8 May 1945, this Staffel was ordered to fly to Kurland to evacuate Army personnel, but this Bf-110G-4, WNr. 110087, now of 4./NJG3, remained behind in Norway where the photograph was taken. This aircraft had its operational code B4+KA in black, and the undersurface of the starboard wing was also in black. The uppersurface camouflage on the leading edge of the wing would indicate that this and the tailplane were overall grey 75, although the uppersurfaces of the fuselage are finished in a reverse mottle of 76 over 75. Note, however, that the mottles on the fin and rudder have a different appearance and are much darker, suggesting the [mish here was 81 or 83 applied over 76 with little thinning.