PK photographer Hebenstreit (part 1 JG 27) - Bundesarchiv photo report #10

PK photographer Hebenstreit is probably responsible for several of the most-published Bundesarchiv photos ever. Like the shot above, Bild 101I-662-6659-37, here enlarged and cropped to show a slightly different view with a little more of the detail. Click once on the image to view in full-screen mode. Note Bundesarchiv images may be reproduced on non-commercial sites such as this one under a creative commons licence. The 'official' caption reads;

 "Jagdflugzeug Messerschmitt Me 109 G-6 des Jagdgeschwader 27 (I./JG 27; Maschine von Gruppenkommandeur Major Ludwig Franzisket ?) mit zwei MG 151/20 unter den Tragflächen im Flug; ca. Februar/März 1944.." 

It may be that this image dates from September-October 1943 when  I./JG 27 was on 'defence of the Reich' duties involved in defending Austria (the so-called 'Ostmark') from Fels am Wagram. Franzisket was credited with two Fortresses on the 14 October Schweinfurt raid. Always interesting to look at some of the other less well-known images in his various film strips. 

Above; this image is probably not one of Hebenstreit's but shows Gustav 'gun-boats' probably at Fels. Note the long antenna mast and absence of DF loop..

For more see my 16-page feature "JG 27 in the defence of the Reich" in "Luftwaffe Fighters - Combat on all Fronts" Vol 2