1./SG 3:n Ju 87 D-5 -airplane in Immola 21. June 1944. Belonged to Batlle Group Kuhlmey, which mainly came from south of Baltics (Kurland).
(Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-727-0297-09A,_Russland,_Erich_Rudorffer,_Ju_87)

Making ready to go

Close up of one of former Italian Regia Aeronautica Macchi MC.202s “Folgore” in Luftwaffe colors. The story of Luftwaffe’s MC.202s isn’t clear and is also controversial. According some sources the MC.202s sized from Germany after the Armistice declared by Kingdom of Italy were about thirty and transferred in Luftwaffe’s Fighter School. According other sources twelve brand new MC.202s were switched to Croatian Air Force direct from the plant in Italy and allocated to 1./(Kroat.)JG retaining their Luftwaffe markings whilst in service with the unit. Again upon this sources, after a period of operational conversion, the squadron commenced operations against the frequent incursions over Croatia by USAAF and RAF aircraft. During a period of intensive activity over the summer of 1944, the squadron claimed some 20 Allied aircraft shot down, while at the same time receiving further Macchi MC.202s, as well as several brand new Macchi MC.205s. That the history. But, except that photos of Croatian MC.202s they are never view, attention: from 1944 the markings of Croatian airplanes were similar to German Balkenkreuz, while the proofs of utilization of Macchi fighters in Croatia are very poor and the very few news about are always the same. And moreover in 1944 the Croatian fighter units were re-equipped with Messerschmitt Bf.109s last generation. The use of MC.205s by Croatian isn’t never confirmed and seem somewhat unlikely. Further news are welcomed. Victor Sierra

A controversial history

German stuka ace major Hans Ulrich Rudel with his tail gunner  Captain Dr. med. Ernst Gadermann. Rudel destroying over 800 tanks and 7 planes and flown over 2000 sroties. Gadermann flying over 850 sorties with Rudel and possibly shot down russian ace Lev Shestakov and  he also save his life when flak badly injurer his leg. Rudel died in December 18 1982 and Gadermann in November 26 1973.