Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4B, WNr. 4101, "Schwarze 12"
History
Built in September 1940 by Erla Maschinenwerk in Leipzig, "Schwarze 12" was originally assigned to 2./Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51), a Luftwaffe fighter wing. On 27 November 1940, during a combat mission over southeast England, the aircraft was engaged by a Supermarine Spitfire from No. 66 Squadron RAF, piloted by Canadian ace George Christie. The Bf 109E was damaged and force-landed at RAF Manston. The pilot, Leutnant Wolfgang Teumer, was captured by British forces.
Following its capture, the aircraft was repaired using parts from other downed Bf 109Es. It was allocated the RAF serial number DG200 and underwent extensive evaluation. The Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough conducted tests, and Rolls-Royce at Hucknall assessed its engine performance. In February 1942, the aircraft was transferred to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down for further testing. In March 1942, it was assigned to No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight RAF for operational evaluation. RAF Museum Collections.
After the war, "Schwarze 12" was retired from active service as more advanced Bf 109 models became available. It was eventually moved to the Royal Air Force Museum in London in 1978, where it is displayed in the Battle of Britain Hall.