Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4, WNr. 1407, "Rote 5"
History
The Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 with Werknummer (serial number) 1407 is a significant artifact displayed at the Deutsches Technikmuseum in Berlin. This aircraft, originally built as a Bf 109E-3 by Erla Maschinenwerke GmbH in Leipzig, was delivered to the Luftwaffe on November 28, 1939. It served with II./JG 77 during the invasion of Norway. Later in the war, it was converted to the E-4 model.
On July 17, 1941, the aircraft was damaged during aerial combat near Petsamo on the Kola Peninsula. The pilot managed to make an emergency landing on a frozen lake, surviving the incident. The aircraft sank when the ice melted and remained submerged until it was salvaged in 1993. Following its recovery, the Bf 109 was restored in Hungary and is now on display in the Aviation Hall of the Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin.
Upon recovery, the aircraft bore the markings "Red 5" on the right side of the fuselage and "Black 2" on the left, indicating it had been used by more than one unit during its service. The "Red 5" marking was associated with 5./JG 77, and "Black 2" was used by II./JG 77. The aircraft was later upgraded to the E-4 model and continued its service with the Luftwaffe.
Today, Bf 109E-4 WNr. 1407 stands as a testament to the aircraft's storied history and the resilience of its pilot.