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Last Updated: Aug 21st, 2020 - 13:06:35 |
Ventura decal V4895 includes markings for Luftwaffe captured P-51B T9-CK in two schemes and Spitfire PR.XI T9-EB.
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| The RAF identity of this Spitfire PR.XI is unconfirmed. It may be EN685 which the RAF lost in May 1944. (via Ashley Lamb) |
Spitfire PR.XI T9+EB was captured by the Germans and used by the Versuchsverband Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (Experimental Unit of the Luftwaffe HQ).
The 2nd Staffel of this special Luftwaffe unit was also known as the Sonderkommando Rosarius (Rosarius Special Unit - from the name of the OC), and informally as the Zirkus Rosarius (Rosarius Circus) or Wanderzirkus (Wandering Circus). The units role was to display captured Allied aircraft to personnel of regular Luftwaffe units. Note the 2nd Staffel of any Luftwaffe unit was identified by the letter 'K' as the last character of the code. The letter 'B', seen in our colour photo as the last of four characters was associated with the
Gruppenstab (Group HQ).
Our colour photo was apparently taken at Sagan-Kupper airfield (now Zagan-Kopernia in Poland), an advanced training base, in July 1944. By then the Spitfire had been completely repainted by the Germans, probably with Schwarzgrun 70 (Black-green 70) with Gleb 04 (Yellow 04) under surfaces and tail section. The codes tend to merge into the camouflage, but the black letters look more like 'EB' than 'BB' or 'EK'.
Features of particular interest include the wire aerial, and the small red circle marking with white stencilled instructions on the side of the fuselage. The HF waveband wire aerial extends from the standard mast to a makeshift attachment at the top of the fin (not on top of the rudder as it was in aircraft with British HF radios). The original radio has most likely been replaced with a German HF set.
The red circle symbol was used as standard on German aircraft to identify the ground electric supply socket. Its presence seems to indicate that the aeroplane was considered operational Luftwaffe equipment, to be used and serviced along with other types. Had it been retained as an experimental machine at a test centre, there would be no need to modify the electrical system. Normally, a Spitfire would have the ground socket in the port wing root fillet, and use a 12 volt system. The Germans preferred 24 volts.
The main wheel hub is a pale blueish grey, possibly RAF PRU Blue.
The identity of the Spitfire is still a mystery. Authors mention two PR.XIs serving with the Zirkus Rosarius: T9+BB and T9+EK. Known photos show that the EK was applied on top of an overpainted earlier code, so both could be the same machine. According to the respected 'Spitfire International', T9+EK was EN685, lost by the RAF in May 1944.
Below are three profiles depicting the schemes included on this 1/48th scale decal sheet. The schemes are based on photographic evidence and detailed research done for our Classic Warbirds books on the PR Spitfires.
Scroll down the page for reproductions of the decal's instruction sheet.
Link to V4895, Luftwaffe captured P-51B and Spitfire PR.XI, at our on-line shop.
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| Copyright Malcolm Laird, Ventura publications |
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| Copyright Malcolm Laird, Ventura publications |
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| Copyright Malcolm Laird, Ventura publications |
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| Copyright Malcolm Laird, Ventura publications |
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| Copyright Malcolm Laird, Ventura publications |
Link to V4895, Luftwaffe captured P-51B and Spitfire PR.XI, at our on-line shop.
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