IL2

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.5 (B4+-) Martuba, Libya Feb 1942 00

Messerschmitt Bf-109F.4 Trop of 5./JG27, Martuba, February 1942 Finished in a standard, factory-applied, mid-demarcation scheme of 79 Sand Yellow over Light Blue 78, this aircraft shows signs of a leaking oil cooler. This feature has been observed on a number of Bf-109Fs operating in the Western Desert and seems to have occurred more frequently in this theatre than in Russia or on the Channel Front. The canopy framing on this aircraft is believed to have been Grey 74. Note the additional antenna mounted beneath the fuselage for the internally mounted FuG 25 equipment which, together with ground radar, was used for identifying friendly aircraft.

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.5 (B4+-) Martuba, Libya Feb 1942 01-02

Photo’s 01-02: Alarmstart - it is not known whether this scene is genuine or merely staged for propaganda purposes. Note Black 4 in the foreground.

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.5 (B4+-) Martuba, Libya Feb 1942 04

Various views taken at Martuba in February 1942, mostly featuring Black 4, a Bf-109F-4 Trop of 5./JG27. Note that oil has seeped from the joint between the spinner and the cowling and has been blown back by the slipstream giving the appearance of a narrow, serrated, black line Note also the heavy oil stain around oil cooler intake under the nose.

Messerschmitt Bf-109F JG27.5 (B4+-) Martuba, Libya Feb 1942 03

The pilot seated on the cockpit sill is believed to be Lt. Kurt Jenisch, and (BELOW) the object resting on the windscreen is a field telephone.