German Air Force

“Pik As”

The nose of a Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 of the Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG53), the "Pik As" (Ace of Spades) Geschwader, parked on a Sicilian Airfield, note the engine cowling’s bottom panel open for inspection, likely Spring 1942. According to 4 April 1942 order of battle the JG53, under command of II Flieger Korps Luftflotte II, has 114 Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 in charge, 87 full serviceable, included a Jabo (fighter-bombers) and a Stab (staff flight), based at Comiso and Gela, and committed above all in operations over Malta and escort missions to Axis bomber attacking on British supply convoys. During the first operational cycle against Malta, November 1941-May 1942, the JG53’s pilots claimed almost 200 kills, in most cases Hurricanes and Spitfires. Victor Sierra