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Messerschmitt
BF 109  |
| THE BF 109 was designed by a team headed by Willy Messerschmitt. It won the competition to be Germany's first mono-wing frontline fighter despite prejudice, in the German aviation community, against Willy and the BF 109. The BF 109 incorporated leading edge technology, such as metal skin, which undoubtedly contributed to it's selection. Whilst the BF 109 was still in prototype, German Legion Condor pilots in their bi-planes were suffering at the hands of Soviet aircraft in the Spanish Civil War. Three BF 109s were immediately sent to Spain to help salvage the situation. Despite teething problems, as would be expected with prototypes, the BF 109 dominated the Spanish sky whenever it flew. Whenever it flew over Tobruk, it also dominated the sky, albeit with some initial competition from Allied Hurricanes. |
Cyrenaica, Libya. 23 December 1941. This German Messerschmitt Bf109 aircraft bears the Berlin coat of arms of a fighting bear. It was one of many destroyed in a prolonged air battle over the Gambut area. 14 April 1941 - 1/JG 27 arrives at Ain el Gazala |
