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History[]

Pre capture[]

Built by Erla Maschinenwerk in Leipzig during the middle of 1940, 4101 was flown to Pihen in northern France on 5 September, where it received fittings under the fuselage for the carriage of a single 551 lb (2501 kg ) bomb,[2] before it was sent to 2/JG51, based at Wissant, near Calais.

On the day of it's capture, Lt Wolfgang Teumer used 4101 for an afternoon fighter sweep over Kent, only for the aircraft to be badly damaged in an attack by a Supermarine Spitfire Mk I aircraft, flown by Canadian Flt Lt George Christie DFC of 66 Squadron.[N 3] Realising the extent of the damage suffered by the Bf 109, Christie escorted it to Manston, only for both aircraft to come under fire from the ground defences. The additional damage prompted Teumer to perform a wheels up landing, emerging unscathed to become a prisoner of war.[3]

World War 2 use[]

After assessment by 49 Maintenance Unit at Faygate, West Sussex, 4101 was transferred during mid December to Rolls Royce at Hucknell, for the aircraft to be repaired to flying condition. Damage from the fight, the crash landing and the subsequent removal meant that many parts had to be replaced from Bf 109Es which had been shot down. These comprised the tail section from Werk Nr 6313, the top cowling from Werk Nr 1653, the engine cover from Werk Nr 4010, the starboard Wing from Werk Nr 1418, and the port wing from an unknown aircraft. Some British equipment, such as the oxygen system, was installed at this point.[3]

Ministry of Aircraft Production Second World War Official Collection E(MOS)1225

Werk Nr 4101 in RAF scheme, seen here being flown without its cockpit canopy.[4]

With the repairs completed, 4101 was finished in RAF camouflage and given serial number DG200. Returning to the air on 25 February 1941, the aircraft amassed 23 hours 25 minutes of flight time over more than 30 flights with Rolls Royce. Shortly before it's transfer to the Director General, Research and Development, the aircraft was flown by Rolls Royce's test pilot Harvey Hayworth.[N 4]

During 1942, the Emil was one of a number of captured aircraft used for test and demonstration flights. At one point during 1942, DG200 received one of the DB 601 engines from AX772.

Post War[]

The aircraft appeared in the Battle of Britain film, before being displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum at RAF St Athan (1969-1978). It is currently on display at RAFM Hendon.

Notes[]

  1. Photographed at Biggin Hill, England by Mike Freer of Touchdown Aviation, on 20 May 1978[1]
  2. Following brief period of service with VI/JG52
  3. According to some reports, 4101 was carrying a bomb, which was released during the course of evasive manoeuvres.
  4. Hayworth's height made it difficult for him to close the hinged cockpit hood, so this was removed, only to be subsequently lost.[5]

Sources[]

  1. Wikimedia image of Werk Nr 4101 in Original colour scheme
  2. Wings of the Eagle. Flypast Magazine - Luftwaffe Supplement. August 2006 issue Page 22
  3. 3.0 3.1 Wings of the Eagle Page 24
  4. Wikimedia Image of Werk Nr 4101 in RAF scheme
  5. Wings of the Eagle Page 25
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