Ju-88 Unit Identity - Aircraft of World War II

Wizzo · 12-03-2008, 09:28 PM

I'm trying to track down the unit of the Ju-88 on the attached photo. Any suggestions or help out there? Thanks.

Wizzo

Airframes · 12-03-2008, 10:27 PM

I've checked my listings for Luftwaffe codes (which might not be complete) and can't find a Geschwader code 'VG'. That's not to say that there wasn't a KG or St/g with that code of course, and I'm sure someone here will have the info.
It is possible that the aircraft belonged to a training, or operational training unit, of course.

Njaco · 12-03-2008, 10:46 PM

I posted a list in the technical section awhile ago. But I don't see it listed. Might have come fresh from the factory and not posted to a unit yet.

http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/air...gs-9318-3.html (Luftwaffe Aircraft Camouflage and Markings)

Wurger · 12-03-2008, 10:49 PM

Yes Chris I have checked the list twice.Initially I thouight the Ju88 could have been one of the plane prototypes.But the strip on the fuselage and underside wing tips painting suggest an operational unit.Also I couldn't find the unit coded VG, also the staffel ID is a bit unclear.Here is a magnified part of the shot.

Wizzo · 12-03-2008, 11:36 PM

Thanks for the information.

Wizzo

Njaco · 12-12-2008, 08:26 AM

The fuselage band is in the wrong place - shouldn't it be behind the "+"?

Wurger · 12-12-2008, 11:34 AM

Most of Ju-88s I have ever seen in pics had the band painted before the tail and behind the black cross.So you are correct.It means that the plane could have been used in a propaganda movie for instance.She looks really oddly.

109ROAMING · 12-12-2008, 11:55 AM

No Swastika either? or is it just one side?

I thought it was on both sides of the tail

Wurger · 12-12-2008, 12:13 PM

The orginal picture is quite blur so it can be the reason.But there is a possibility the Ju was captured and was tested with over painted signs.Also I saw a pic of Ju-88 which was tested in the USA with a yellow band in the same place like the one in the pic above.The difference were the US markings.

Micdrow · 12-12-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wurger

The orginal picture is quite blur so it can be the reason.But there is a possibility the Ju was captured and was tested with over painted signs.Also I saw a pic of Ju-88 which was tested in the USA with a yellow band in the same place like the one in the pic above.The difference were the US markings.

Another possility is that this is a Stammkennzeichen or factory code. Ive looked here but the list is not complete though will explain more about Stammkenzeichen codes in detail.

The LEMB Stammkennzeichen Database

Wurger · 12-12-2008, 06:38 PM

Yep..it is possible.This can indicate the one I found there " VG+DO Junkers Ju88" But why the "D" letter looks like it was of lighter ( another colour???) paint than the band, other code letters and the white elements of the cross.

Micdrow · 12-12-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wurger

Yep..it is possible.This can indicate the one I found there " VG+DO Junkers Ju88" But why the "D" letter looks like it was of lighter ( another colour???) paint than the band, other code letters and the white elements of the cross.

To be honest Wojtek, I think this photo has been modified the more I look at it. Take a look at the shadow cast by what could be the sun. It only shows the out line of the wings. Also as pointed out the swastika missing on tail. And then what looks like med campainge colors to me are not quite right.

Something fishy though I could be wrong as I am no expert on Luftwaffe markings.

Wurger · 12-12-2008, 07:16 PM

It might have been.My first impression was that the pic was taken somewhere in Russia.This could indicate the underside wingtip of the Ju88.
As far as the shadow is concerned, you can be right as well.I'll try to find something like the pic but later.Tonight I have to go bed.Tomorrow early in the morning I'm going to work.

Njaco · 12-13-2008, 08:17 AM

IIRC the lighter colored "D" would represent the staffel? Thats what is throwing me. It appears everything is in place except the theatre band and the code.

Micdrow · 12-13-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Njaco

IIRC the lighter colored "D" would represent the staffel? Thats what is throwing me. It appears everything is in place except the theatre band and the code.

Its a real puzzle thats for sure.

12-03-2008, 10:46 PM	#3
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	I posted a list in the technical section awhile ago. But I don't see it listed. Might have come fresh from the factory and not posted to a unit yet. http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/air...gs-9318-3.html (Luftwaffe Aircraft Camouflage and Markings) __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

12-12-2008, 08:26 AM	#6
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	The fuselage band is in the wrong place - shouldn't it be behind the "+"? __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

12-12-2008, 11:34 AM	#7
Wurger Siggy Master Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 13,967	Most of Ju-88s I have ever seen in pics had the band painted before the tail and behind the black cross.So you are correct.It means that the plane could have been used in a propaganda movie for instance.She looks really oddly. __________________

12-12-2008, 11:55 AM	#8
109ROAMING Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 4,994	No Swastika either? or is it just one side? I thought it was on both sides of the tail __________________ "When all else fails read the manual"

12-12-2008, 12:13 PM	#9
Wurger Siggy Master Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 13,967	The orginal picture is quite blur so it can be the reason.But there is a possibility the Ju was captured and was tested with over painted signs.Also I saw a pic of Ju-88 which was tested in the USA with a yellow band in the same place like the one in the pic above.The difference were the US markings. __________________

12-03-2008, 10:27 PM	#2
Airframes Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9,060	I've checked my listings for Luftwaffe codes (which might not be complete) and can't find a Geschwader code 'VG'. That's not to say that there wasn't a KG or St/g with that code of course, and I'm sure someone here will have the info. It is possible that the aircraft belonged to a training, or operational training unit, of course.

12-03-2008, 11:36 PM	#5
Wizzo Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2	Thanks for the information. Wizzo

12-12-2008, 06:38 PM	#11
Wurger Siggy Master Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 13,967	Yep..it is possible.This can indicate the one I found there " VG+DO Junkers Ju88" But why the "D" letter looks like it was of lighter ( another colour???) paint than the band, other code letters and the white elements of the cross. __________________

12-12-2008, 07:16 PM	#13
Wurger Siggy Master Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 13,967	It might have been.My first impression was that the pic was taken somewhere in Russia.This could indicate the underside wingtip of the Ju88. As far as the shadow is concerned, you can be right as well.I'll try to find something like the pic but later.Tonight I have to go bed.Tomorrow early in the morning I'm going to work. __________________

12-13-2008, 08:17 AM	#14
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	IIRC the lighter colored "D" would represent the staffel? Thats what is throwing me. It appears everything is in place except the theatre band and the code. __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/

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