REASON FOR LOSS:

While flying at about 16,000 ft., two Spitfires suddenly appeared above and this aircraft was shot through the radiator with the first burst. Turning for home the engine began to overheat and aircraft landed in good condition, except for damaged undercarriage. At the time of combat the formation was fairly near London but could not see it because of a slight mist.

Markings: yellow nose and rudder. Crest on nose, a yellow jaguar's head with smiling negrese wearing a white ear ring. Shield; map of Africa with tiger’s head. Aircraft constructed by Erla MW Leipzig, werk nr. 1394 dated 22/11/39. Engine: DB 601 A. Coloured plate on front of engine bore letters H.M.F. in the middle of a six pointed star. Engine plate showed Mercedez Benz, Daimler Benz AG, werk nr. 90. Berlin/Marianfelde, series no. 11366. Fuel 88 octane.

Oblt. Bode’s Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 Wnr.1394 Guines, Sept 40 (Pat Burgess Collection)

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Showing the JG 27 Shield on cowling ccccccccccccccccccccc Cockpit of Bode’s 109 on display at Ashford, Kent.

Oberleutnant Bode pictured in the centre. (Pat Burgess Collection)

The aircraft now covered in netting to prevent it being seen from the air. (Pat Burgess Collection)

Another posed shot by the “Messerschmitt” (Pat Burgess Collection)

Bode’s Messerschmitt arrives by trailer at Canterbury, Kent, date unknown. (Pat Burgess Collection)

Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless. Special thanks to the late Pat Burgess and aviation historian Nigel Parker. March 2015