Numerically the most abundant fighter produced by either side during WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 formed the backbone of the Jagdwaffe on both the eastern and western fronts, as well as in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Of the eight distinct sub-types within the huge Bf 109 family, the most populous was the G-model, of which over 30,000 were built between 1941-45. Despite its production run, only a handful of genuine German Bf 109s have survived into the 1990s, and with the serious damaging of the RAFs G-2 at Duxford in October 1997, only the German-based MBB G-6 and Hans Ditte's G-10 (both composites) are currently airworthy.

The first redesign came with the E series, including the naval variant, the Bf 109T (T standing for Trager, carrier). The Bf 109E "Emil" introduced structural changes to accommodate the heavier and more powerful 1,100 PS (1,085 HP) Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, heavier armament and increased fuel capacity. Partly due to its limited 300 km (186 mile) combat radius on internal fuel alone, resulting from its 660 km (410 mile) range limit, later variants of the E series had a fuselage ordnance rack for fighter-bomber operations or provision for a long-range, standardized 300 litre (79 US gallon) drop-tank and used the DB 601N engine of higher power output. The 109E first saw service with the "Condor Legion" during the last phase of the Spanish Civil War and was the main variant from the beginning of World War II until mid-1941 when the 109F replaced it in the pure fighter role.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf-109E-3 "Emil" fighter that was piloted by Franz von Werra, who was attached to II./ Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen", then deployed to Pas de Calais, France, during September 1940. Pre-order! Ship Date: Late January 2025.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-inches
Length: 7-1/2-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Adlertag" - In late August 1940, JG 2 began moving to Pas de Calais airfields at Mardyck and Oye-Plage.During the first ten days on these airfields between Calais and Dunkirk, JG 2 claimed close to 100 RAF fighters destroyed. September began with continued attacks on RAF airfields. On day four, Kurt Buhligen's - future JG 2 commanding officer - career with JG 2 began after a claim against a Hurricane. Hans "Assi" Hahn and Werner Machold became the next recipients of the Knight's Cross for reaching the obligatory total of 20 aerial victories during the month. Wolfgang Schellmann was similarly honored for his leadership, while I. Gruppe, recognized as the most successful in the Luftwaffe. Bothkamp was replaced by Schellmann as Geschwaderkommodore. Karl-Heinz Greisert, an eight-victory pilot succeeded him in II. Gruppe. Within days, Helmut Wick took command of I. Gruppe from Strumpell. At the end of September, Dr. Erich Mix - perhaps the last World War I pilot still operational - was replaced as III. Gruppe by Hauptmann Otto Bertram.

JG 2 recorded four pilots missing and one wounded in the first six days of September. The following day, Goring ordered an attack on Greater London, beginning The Blitz. German intelligence wrongly assumed Fighter Command to be near exhaustion and that an offensive against the capital would bring the last of its reserves into battle. Bombing London opened the possibility of destroying vital rail networks, shipping, supplies, and damage civilian morale by demonstrating London's vulnerability to air power. The raids from 7-14 September seemed to confirm this view; none encountered the kind of resistance that characterized the fighting in August. Hitler gave his consent to a continued assault. The next day's operations became known as the Battle of Britain Day; generally regarded as the climax of the battle for air superiority. JG 2s condition on September 7th was two Bf 109s from the Stabstaffel operational from three; five from 24 operational in I. Gruppe, four from 18 in II. Gruppe and 11 from 19 in III. Gruppe. All of the wing's units had withdrawn from the Pas de Calais back to Beaumont-le-Roger and Le Havre and were not involved in the day's fighting. JG 2s absence from the southeast of England in the latter half of September, and reassignment from Luftlfotte 2 back to 3, caused their involvement in the final phase of the Battle of Britain to be minimal - just four enemy aircraft were claimed for an equal number of losses. JG 2 finished September operating over Weymouth, Dorset; in combat with 504 Squadron, the British purportedly destroyed nine Bf 109s. Even though most of the battle occurred over water, only one II. Gruppe Bf 109 was found on a beach