Markings and camouflage

21 September 1944

CX/MSS/R339(D),4

From Luftflotte 4, Ops. Abt. (Roman) I No. 2345 IA/Air dated 21/9 to:

GAF Liaison Officer with Army Group South Ukraine

“ " " with Army Group Fretter-Pico

“ " " with Army Group Heinrici

“ " " with 8. Army

“ " " with 2. Hungarian Army

Copy to: Luftflotte Reich, Luftflotte 6, Lw.Kdo. Südost, (Roman) I. Fliegerkorps, Komm. Gen. der Deutschen Luftwaffe in Ungarn, 15. Flakdivision, OC Luftflotte Transport Einsatzstab Banat, Liaison Detachment of Luftflotte 4 with Royal Hungarian 102. Flieg. Brig., 3.(F)/1221, 1.(F)/Nacht, Wekusta 76, Schleppgruppe 2, TG 3:

The enemy is operating German a/c types on the Rumanian front, partly with German markings. In order to identify with certainty our own a/c, the following additional identity marking in “yellow paint” is ordered for the area of Luftflotte 4, for operational a/c Me 109, Fw 190, Ju 87, Ju 88, Ju 188, Hs 129, He 171+ and Do 217:

1) Round the fuselage in front of the ailerons £Höhenflosse£ a ring 40 cm. wide.

2) Under the left wing, the entire wing depth a “V” open in the direction of flight with a 45º angle and a leg breadth of 25 cm. The legs of the open “V” are to be extended over the leading edge to a depth of 60 cm., so that recognition is also possible from above.

The prescribed identification is to be brought into use forthwith. Completion is to be reported by 25/9/0400 hrs. From then onwards up to 30 km. distance from the front “open fire” on all named a/c without the new marking (order follows).

Lw.Kdo. Südost is requested to associate itself with this regulation on the Rumanian front.

NOTES: + Not previously reported by source. Presumably error for He 111.

NOTE: In 1) above Höhenflosse should have been translated as tailplane, not ailerons.

 

22 September 1944

CX/MSS/T318/64

From GAMPY ((Luftflotte 4)) GAVAK ((Ops. Dept IA)), signed Angebauer, Major im Genst. No. 2354 (IA Air), dated early 22/9:

On the Rumanian front, the enemy is operating German a/c, in some cases with German markings. In order that our own a/c may be certainly identified, the following additional recognition marking in yellow paint is ordered for operational a/c of the types Bf 109, Fw 190, Ju 87, Ju 88, Ju 188, Hs 129, He 111 and Do 217 in the sphere of command of Luftflotte 4:

1) A ring 40 cm. wide around the fuselage in front of the wings.

2) On the lower side of the port wing, the whole width of the wing, a V open towards the direction of flight, with an angle of 45 degrees and with arms 25 cm. broad. The arms of this open V are to be carried over the leading edge of the wing for a distance of 60 cm., so that recognition is also possible from above.

This painting to be done at once. Report completion by 0400/25/9. From that time on, fire may be opened at a distance of 30 km. from the front on all of the above types of a/c which do not carry the new marking.

26 September 1944

REF 103

CX/MSS/T318/64

(Instructions for additional a/c markings as result of enemy operating German a/c on Rumanian front)

Source has seen almost identical document from Flak Regt. 201, IA No. 255, via Athens, to 6./Flak Abt. 891 Coos [Kos], dated 26/9:

It contained identical instructions for giving additional recognition markings in yellow paint for guaranteeing the recognition of own a/c in sphere of command of GAF General in Greece. Additional types CR 42, Hs 126.

29 September 1944

CX/MSS/R325(B),62

From GHQ LXVIII Army Corps, IA, No. 1034, to Island Commandants Milos and Syros, dated 29/9:

1) The enemy is operating German aircraft types, partly with German markings.

2) Bf 109, Fw 190, Ju 87, 88, 188, He. [sic] 1(digit illegible)9, 111, Do 217, CR 42 and Hs 126 will be given additional markings.

a) (smudge) open “V” in yellow.

3) Up to a distance of 50 km. from the front may be fired on by all weapons.

4) Only open fire when identification is certain.

5) Distribute this information down to companies.

NOTE: Compare somewhat similar orders by Luftflotte 4 on 21/9 (MSS/T318/64).

navtagbt

The yellow "V" marking of Luftflotte 4


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