Bf 109E-3
3./JG 51, Mannheim-Sandhofen, Winter 1939-40

Bf 109E-3 / 3./JG E 51, Luftwaffe / Mannheim-Sandhofen, Germany / Winter 1939-1940.
The illustrated aircraft is an example of the camouflage scheme and national marking application introduced at the end of 1939, specifically during the 'Sitzkrieg' period and during the defense of Germany against the first retaliatory raids by the RAF. The aircraft is painted in the standard scheme of RLM70 and 71 on the upper surfaces. The paint is affected by heavy weathering and wear. The lower surfaces are in light blue, RLM65. An interesting feature on this aircraft, and occasionally seen on others, is the very large rendering of the national marking on the wings. The fuselage Balkenkreuz also has a more slender centre cross segment. The Totenhand marking below the cockpit is the 3./JG 51 unit insignia, while the Kitzbuheler Gams marking, which was used by I./JG 51 from its beginnings, was a reminder of the influx of Austrian pilots to the unit in 1938, at a time when it carried the markings of I./JG 233.