IL2

Bucker Bu-131 Jungmann JG54.2 (KG+GB) Russia 1941 00

Bucker Bu-131 Jungmann of 1./JG54 As appropriate for its original training role, this aircraft was originally painted in Light Grey L40/52 overall. Later, perhaps when first assigned to JG54 as a liaison aircraft, it was repainted in a standard Green 70/71 uppersurface scheme with Blue 65 undersurfaces. At this time, the swastika was masked off, leaving a surrounding square of the original L40/52. Because of the more complicated masking involved, it would seem the fuselage cross and code letters were overpainted during respraying and, when reapplied, were incorrectly positioned, being higher than normal and not parallel with the aircraft centreline. Later, the uppersurfaces were again repainted with a temporary white snow camouflage which was applied unevenly and left areas of the green scheme showing through. This time, while the major part of the airframe was spray-painted, the white areas around the code letters were brushed on, leaving a green border which resulted in the slightly distorted appearance of the lettering. The name "Lilli-Marlen" (as opposed to the famous, and still popular, wartime song 'Lili Marlene') appeared in red under the cockpits, and the badge of 2./JG54 on a white disc was painted on the yellow engine cowling.

Bucker Bu-131 Jungmann JG54.2 (KG+GB) Russia 1941 01

Photo’s 01-02: The Bucker Bu-131 Jungmann was designed as a sports, aerobatics and training aircraft and first entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1935.This example, coded KG+GB, served with 2./JG54 in late 1941 and although at least one source states that it later became a personal courier aircraft used by Oblt. Hans Phillip, who became the Kommandeur of I./JG54 on 15 February 1942, the display of Abschussbalken on the rudder is believed to represent 2.Staffel's tally rather than Oblt. Phillip's own victories. The machine has received an overspray of white and the name "Lilli-Marlen" appears on the fuselage.

Bucker Bu-131 Jungmann JG54.2 (KG+GB) Russia 1941 03

Photo 03: When photographed again in early 1942, the yellow cowling had been overpainted white and the badge of I./JG54 had been added to its fuselage. This machine, one of at least two Bucker 131s operated by JG54, is known to have survived until 1943.