German Air Force

"Herz As" in Sardinia

Bundesarchiv

Line-up of Messerschmitt Bf.109G-6 of Luftwaffe’s III./JG77 (III Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 77) at Chilivani, near Sassari, Northern Sardinia, during his deployment in the Island, 1st June-10 September 1943, leader Gruppenkommandeure Major Kurt Ubben. Notice the plane on the right with the bottom engine cowling open likely for an inspection or repair. The aircraft has the propeller spinner white with black spinner, “classic” for many German fighters, and the fuselage white band specific of the Luftaffe’s aircraft employed on the Mediterranean Theatre. The III./JG77, a Gruppe of the famous “Herz As” (Ace of Hearts) Geschwader, moved to Sardinia from Sicily and Apulia, where was deployed on Spring 1943 after one year in North Africa. Afterwards the III./JG77 left Chilivani to Corsica where was deployed for few weeks on September 1943. Late September 1943 the Gruppe returned in Italy, Metato and Marcigliana. On October 1943 the III./JG 77 left the Italy towards the Eastern Front. Victor Sierra