Messerschmitt 109

Wreckage of Me 109.
Photo courtesy of Louise Dardart.

Wreckage of Me 109 shot down over Luqa, 1942.
Photo courtesy of Louise Dardart.

The aircraft above & right force landed at Luqa/Safi Strip 1942. It was repaired by RAF personnel & even test flown. If anyone can help track down it's whereabouts now please contact Tony - jccrnls@tiscali.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Tony Cornelius

The chap sitting on the wing is Flt.Lt. Buck Shone a Rhodesian.
Note the unusual camoflague paintwork under the wing.
Photo courtesy of Tony Cornelius

Probably the most famous German fighter in WWII. Flown extensively from Sicily to cover bomber attacks on Malta. As with the Spitfire new upgrades or marks replaced older designs, mainly in engine efficiency to create greater speed or ceiling. The early 109 was about equal to the Hurricane which was used over Malta after (& for a time with) the early sterling work of the 3 Sea Gladiators Faith, Hope & Charity.
The 109-F was introduced which proved too much for the Hurricane then on Malta & the need for Spitfires became very urgent to combat this new design.
The Italian Regia Aeronautica had 2 squadrons set up where Italian pilots flew the 109. 150 Gruppo Autonomo was one & 6th Stormo, 3rd Gruppo, 154th Squadriglia was the other.

Paul Perron (USAF based in UK) wrote to me after an interview with General Giuseppe Ruzzin (6th Stormo, 3rd Gruppo, 154th Squadriglia). He has given permission for the following to be put on the site. The General is trying to find thie pilot referred to in the text. Could anyone with any information please contact Paul at pperron2003@yahoo.com :-

Date: June 29, 1943
Location: Skies above Comiso Aerodrome, Sicily
Pilot: Sottotentente Giuseppe Ruzzin
Unit: 6th Stormo, 3rd Gruppo, 154th Squadriglia
Aircraft: Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 v RAF Spitfire from Malta

At 14:30 hrs 154th Squadriglia was scrambled to intercept incoming British fighters based in Malta. Their mission that day was to attack the Comiso aerodrome. During the ensuing melee, Ruzzin had a very long and intense dogfight with a British Spitfire. Apparently, they both finished the engagement with no ammunition left in their guns. According to the General, they formed up and flew alongside each other in formation. Ruzzin lifted his goggles and removed his oxygen mask, and so did the British pilot, who had a blond mustache, like a true English sportsman. After a few moments of flying alongside each other, they both smiled and saluted each other. Ruzzin heading back to Comiso, and the Spitfire pilot heading off towards Malta.

References:
Paul Perron (USAF based in UK) - Personal correspondence
General Giuseppe Ruzzin (6th Stormo, 3rd Gruppo, 154th Squadriglia) - Correspondence through Paul Perron.