Original color footage of Junkers Ju 87 D-5 Dive Bombers in action over the Eastern Front

[LukeFF]

 

[Juri_JS]

Interestingly, none of the Stukas has a unit code on the fuselage. So I doubt it's actual combat footage. Probably only filmed for propaganda purposes.

[Hanu]

3 hours ago, Juri_JS said:

Interestingly, none of the Stukas has a unit code on the fuselage. So I doubt it's actual combat footage. Probably only filmed for propaganda purposes.

 

But weren't the unit codes (S7 for example) written in black and with small letters, compared to Staffel codes that you can see on this video? At least JG3 Stukas had that sort of markings during Immola phase '44. If so, thats hard to see in the video even if they existed.

Edited February 20, 2024 by Hanu
clarify

[EAF19_Marsh]

They are very close!

[Juri_JS]

3 hours ago, Hanu said:

 

But weren't the unit codes (S7 for example) written in black and with small letters, compared to Staffel codes that you can see on this video? At least JG3 Stukas had that sort of markings during Immola phase '44. If so, thats hard to see in the video even if they existed.

I don't see the black Staffel code letter that was larger and should be visible well. What's visible is the individual aircraft letter.

 

It's not unusual that Luftwaffe markings were altered for propaganda shots. Sometimes a pilot's victory markings on the rudder were only painted for such occasions. Especially in the east many units did not apply such markings, because it wasn't a good idea to have them when making an emergency landing in enemy territory.

Edited February 20, 2024 by Juri_JS

[Hanu]

Well, not that it matters to me as your reasoning is sound, but aren't these ones we are talking about? Especially "E" is quite clear? (The first one is too blurry for me, but there is some letter)

Hmm, actually that could even prove your point about propaganda paintings... "E" was not in the list of Stab/Staffel letters. D = Stab III, F = Stab IV. and G = Stab V and staffels were "H" onwards. ?

[Juri_JS]

I can't see a Staffel letter on the first image, but maybe it's a problem with my monitor settings. The letter E is indeed very strange and also the Balkenkreuz on the one wing looks unusual. I really wonder under which circumstances this footage was filmed.

 

[HazMatt]

These don't seem to have the historical tail markings either. Has this been edited or were they not there or maybe I am blind?