IL2

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.4 (W12+-) W.Nr 8438 El Gazala, North Africa Dec 1941 00

Image 01: Messerschmitt Bf-109F.4 Trop White 12 of 4./JG27, El Gazala, late 1941 This aircraft was finished in a standard mid-demarcation 78/79 desert scheme and, except for the absence of a white band around the forward section of the nose, displays the usual white and yellow theatre markings. The badge of 4./JG27 appeared under the cockpit and this aircraft had a faded, dusty, used appearance which was exaggerated by the oil leak which has caused heavy discolouration of the yellow area surrounding the oil cooler intake under the nose. Although not visible in the accompanying photographs, it is believed that this aircraft had a II. Gruppe bar, partially overpainted, on the rear fuselage.

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.4 (W12+-) W.Nr 8438 El Gazala, North Africa Dec 1941 01-03

Photo’s 01-03: British troops examining a Bf-109F-4 Trop, White 12 of 4./JG27. This aircraft, believed to be W.Nr. 8438, was captured by the British at El Gazala in December 1941 and had the Staffel badge under the cockpit. The aircraft had been deliberately wrecked by demolition charges but examination of an original print shows that the oil leak from the oil cooler had been blown backwards by the slipstream. Thus it must have been present when the aircraft was flown and was not caused by the demolition charges. Note that leaking oil has spread over the already black-painted wing root.