Description

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German Second World War fighter aircraft that was along with the Focke-Wulf FW 190, the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s fighter force. The Bf 109 first saw operational service in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of WW2 in 1945. It was one of the most advanced fighters when it first appeared, with an all metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy and retractable landing gear.
It was called the Me 109 by allied aircrew and some German aces , even though this was not the official German designation.

Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) was a Luftwaffe fighter wing of the Second World War. It operated in Western Europe and in the Mediterranean. It was better known as the “PIK As” (Ace of Spades) Geschwader, and was one of the oldest German fighter units of WW2, with its origins going back to 1937.
At the start of the war a high proportion of its personnel were experienced ex-Condor Legion pilots, including Werner Molders.

Fifty One year old Hauptman Wilhem Meyer Meyerweissflog, had been an observer with the German air force during WW1. It is uncertain in what capacity he had been attached to JG 53, but he had flown on operations on a number of occasions.

Having returned from leave during the evening of 5th September, he spotted a large number of aircraft taking off, and decided to join them in his Bf-109. By the time he had taken off, he was flying alone, and was to be picked off by a Spitfire, which was probably flown by experienced Australian Ace, Flg Off Pat Hughes of No. 234 squadron.
With an overheating engine, Meyerweissflog was forced to crash land, in Kent, and duly taken prisoner. He was eventually repatriated in 1944.

This aircraft crash landed at Monkton, Kent on 5th September 1940, the pilot Hauptmann Wilhem Meyerweissflog was captured unhurt. The RAF Crash Report, indicates that the aircraft was camouflaged in light navy grey with a red band around the cowling and with red/white spinner and white wing tips.