Photos of the
"Wespengeschwader" Bf-109 Emil sub-types used in 1942 on the Eastern front are pretty hard to come by. Not only that, but there is a lot of misinformation out there about the variants and unit designations involved. Looks like some 'enthusiast' sites out there could do with some help !
On 4th January 1942 SKG 210 was redesignated ZG 1. The
Geschwaderstab/SKG 210 was re-designated
Geschwaderstab/ZG 1; I./SKG 210 became I./ZG 1 and II./SKG 210 became II./ZG 1. A
III. Gruppe was formed with pilots from training school and an SAGr unit. This new
III. Gruppe was equipped with Bf 109 E-7s.
All Bf 109 E Wespen were assigned to III./ZG 1 and not SKG 210. Certainly not
Erprobungsgruppe 210 ! The machines seen above are almost certainly E-7 variants, identifiable by the pointed spinner. The first Emil Jabos had their electrical and mechanical plumbing modified to carry bombs and were E-4/B sub-types. The E-7 came from the factory with the plumbing, and electrical terminals already in place either for ordnance to be loaded on a bomb rack or for a belly tank on a drop-tank rack. Hence their designation as E-7s with either load. (thanks to John Vasco for clarifying the above..)
More Wespen Emils on this blog
http://falkeeins.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/photos-of-wespen-bf-109e-7-jabo-sub.html
