Startklar zum Feindflug
C-4s of III./KG 40 seen at Bordeaux- Mérignac. The Germans carried out extensive works at Mérignac for their Atlantic air operations - the aerodrome was developed into arguably the most important Atlantic coast base for anti-shipping and reconnaissance operations. The Germans constructed two concrete runways - the main runway 2 was oriented north-west/south-east and was some 2,000 metres in length and 80 metres wide. Also constructed were thirteen large metal hangars of some 6,000 sq m organised in three groups. Large numbers of taxiways and dispersal points were constructed over the 410 hectare site - which was surrounded by pines - in attempts to minimise the effects of any Allied air raids. The aerodrome was defended by the RAD-Flakabteilung 595.
Also on this blog;
Unsere Kondor, unser Pilot; Knight's Cross winner Oberleutnant Bernhard Jope's F8+EL here
Above, Ju 88 of 3.(F)/AufklGr 33; individual letter "Y" in code 8H+YL, yellow ETO fuselage band. Note unusual rune Staffel emblem
Below KG 1 Kopfstand
