IL2

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B10+) Libya 1941 00

Messerschmitt Bf-109E-7 Trop of 2./JG27, Libya, mid 1941. Relatively few Bf-109Es operating in North Africa were repainted in a full desert scheme and it is believed that on most that were, Italian camouflage colours were used, as on this machine. Note that the canopy was removed from the airframe during repainting, meticulously masked off, sprayed sand colour, and replaced after the main painting of the fuselage had been completed. Although a number of aircraft from this Staffel had their black numbers outlined in red, it was omitted from this particular example.

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B10+) Libya 1941 01

Photo 01: Members of the Stabskompanie (ground personnel) refuelling a desert camouflaged Bf109E7Trop, Black 10, of 2./JG27. Obtaining sufficient quantities of fuel was a constant problem for the German forces in North Africa as many ships transporting fuel and other supplies were sunk by submarines and aircraft operating from Malta. Although obsolete, Royal Navy Albacore and Swordfish torpedo-carrying aircraft operating at night from land bases on the island were remarkably effective. The British obtained details of sailing dates, etc, from ULTRA.

Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG27.2 (B10+) Libya 1941 02

Photo 02: Seldom remarked upon is the fact that the right-hinged canopy of the Bf-109 was almost unique and is found elsewhere only on a few later Italian fighters. Quite possibly this Black 10 is the same aircraft as shown above. The items of equipment, including signal cartridges, life jacket and sun helmet, stored behind the pilots head and back armour, suggest a transfer flight.