KITS 07/2021

Bf 109E-3, WNr. 5102, Lt. Herbert Kunze, Stab I./JG 77, Döberitz, Germany, June 1940

This aircraft was manufactured by WNF in early autumn 1939 and assigned to I./JG 77 led by Hptm. Johannes Janke. This unit

was frequently relocated prior to World War II outbreak so it was no wonder the members of I./JG 77 ironically dubbed themselves “Wanderzirkus Janke” (Janke’s Wandering Circus) and expressed their feelings about the constant relocation with a scuffed

boot as the unit's emblem. Janke's adjutant Lt. Kunze was born in Berlin in 1918. He achieved two victories in September 1940 and

lived to see his promotion to the rank of Oberleutnant. He was killed in combat with Spitfires of No. 603 Squadron on September

14, 1940 while at the controls of Bf 109E-4 WNr. 3759. He crashed near Lympne and was buried two days later in Hawkinge Cemetery. Kunze originally used a Bf 109E-1 with the name “Sepp” under the cockpit, but for this Bf 109E-3 he chose to paint a small

rabbit with a spear between its ears and the inscription “Kieki”.

Bf 109E-4, WNr. 5274, Lt. Werner Machold, 1./JG 2, Marigny, France, June 1940

Machold was serving with 1./JG 2 at the beginning of World War II. He was very successful in Battle of France, gaining 10 victories including three Hurricanes and one Spitfire. His 11th victory was a “Tomahawk” claimed on August 11 at about midday near

Portland. Oberfeldwebel Machold continued to gain victories during the Battle of Britain and became eighth German fighter

pilot to reach 20-victories mark. On September 5, 1940, he was awarded the Knight Cross for 21 victories. On September 7,

Machold was transferred to 9./JG 2. He recorded his 24th through 26th victories on September 30, shooting down three Spitfires.

Oberleutnant Machold was appointed Staffelkapitän of 7./JG 2 in spring 1941. On June 9, 1941 during a low-level Jabo attack on

a shipping convoy off Portland was his Bf 109 E-7/Z (WNr. 5983) “White 15” hit by anti-aircraft fire from a Royal Navy destroyer.

Machold belly-landed near Swanage, Dorset and became prisoner of war. Werner Machold claimed 32 victories in more than

250 combat missions. He achieved all his victories over the Western front.

Bf 109E-1, WNr. 3413, Lt. Hans Krug, 5./JG 26, Marquise, France, July 1940

Hans Krug was born in 1899 and served in various Bavarian aviation units during the Great War. He was flying combat missions

from March till May 1918. Considered rather old for fighter pilot in Germany during mid-thirties he joined the Spanish nationalist

air force instead of Legion Condor like other German “volunteers”. Krug often flew alongside Spanish ace Joaquin Garcia Morato,

whose Fiat CR.32 carried bullfighting motto “VISTA SUERTE Y AL TORO” (The look, good fortune and lets´s go for the bull!). Krug

adopted this inscription on his “Emil”, as he was finally accepted to Luftwaffe and entered successful service with II./JG 26

“Schlageter” with rank of Leutnant. He scored with 5./JG 26 five victories during French campaign including one unconfirmed. All

were depicted on his tail with kill marks. Krug scored additional five victories during Battle of Britain and took over leadership of

4./JG 26. He was shot down by RAF fighters over England and performed belly landing near Pluckley in the evening of September 7. His name is sometimes confused with bomber pilot Lt. Peter Krug who escaped from prison camp in Canada to the United

States.

INFO Eduard - July 2021

eduard

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