Item Description
Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. This is really a fantastic set of photos, most of which were taken by a USGI, showing many captured or downed aircraft that they encountered during their time in service. They look to then have been printed later, possibly after the war, and almost all of them have had captions added to the back, describing the photograph. Many of these have dates, as well as often naming the people shown with the aircraft, which really makes this a fantastic set full of research potential! The set consists of 18 personal captioned photographs, and one post card photograph.
The majority of the photos show downed and/or captured German Aircraft, many of which were photographed at captured Luftwaffe airfields, including Manching (April 28 1945), Erding (May 17 1945), and Mühldorf (July 1945). All of these airfields are in Bavaria, and while there are no units indicated in the captions, there are last names, and many photographs show USGIs on and in the aircraft.
Notable Aircraft shown in the collection:
● Messerschmitt Me 262 Jet Fighter - The worlds FIRST jet powered fighter aircraft, taken at Erding.
● Messerschmitt Bf 109 Fighter - One of the two main fighter aircraft used by Germany during the war, pictured at all three air fields.
● Arado Ar 234 "Blitz" Jet Bomber - An early Jet propelled bomber, shown at Manching. There is writing on the side from Intelligence indicating that it is not to be destroyed, most likely so the design can be studied.
● Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" Dive Bomber - One of the most famous dive bombers of the Second World War, the "siren" noise produced during a dive is one of the most recognized sounds of the war. Pictured at Mühldorf.
● Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Fighter - The other main fighter used by the Luftwaffe. Pictured outside Mühldorf.
In addition to the German aircraft, the first picture chronologically (February 17 1945) is actually of a downed U.S. B-17 Bomber taken in Schwenheim, France, close to the German Border. The picture shows the USGIs next to the wreckage.
This is really a fantastic WWII photo set, showing lots of aircraft and USGI's, with some great information. Ready to research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon