According to the Robinson/Derry "Flightcraft" book on the Fw 190 (to which this blogger largely contributed) this is Fw 190 F-8, WNr 933849, which was found abandoned on a Luftwaffe airfield and appropriated by W/Cdr James Francis ‘Stocky’ Edwards, RCAF, 127 Wing, in late 1944/early 1945. The story goes that W/Cdr Edwards spotted the Fw 190 in an adjacent field while returning from a sortie during the Allied advance through Belgium and the Netherlands and had it transported to the base where the Wing was operating from which, according to the photo’s original caption was Soltau, Germany, but may possibly have been B.58 Melsbroek or B.56 Evere in Belgium. All the aircraft’s Luftwaffe markings were overpainted and RAF roundels and fin flashes applied, as were the Wing Commander’s initials ‘JFE’. Apparently, the aircraft was unofficially flown several times, although its ultimate fate is uncertain. The Messerschmitt Bf 108 in the background also carries RAF markings and the initials ‘PST’ of fellow Canadian, Group Captain Percival Stanley ‘Stan’ Turner, who oversaw the conversion of 127 Wing on to ground attack duties and flew with the Wing on several missions. (Courtesy of Carl Vincent)
