IL2

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B1+) $Erich Gerlitz North Africa 1941 00

Image 01: Messerschmitt SF 109 E-7 Trop flown by the Staffelkapitan of 2./JG27 This aircraft is believed to have been finished in the Italian colours used by Luftwaffe aircraft operating in North Africa before the RLM had developed its own range of paints for this theatre. Not visible in this view is the white segment which is believed to have been painted on the spinner.

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B1+) $Erich Gerlitz North Africa 1941 01

Photo 01: This Bf-109E-7Trop coded Black 1 would normally have been allocated to the Staffelkapitan of 2./JG27. When this Staffel arrived in North Africa in December 1941, it was under the command of Hptm. Erich Gerlitz who retained command only until 25 December when he left to take over II. Gruppe. He was replaced by Oblt. Fritz Keller who then led the Staffel from 24 January to 18 March 1942.

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B1+) $Erich Gerlitz North Africa 1941 02-04