[PappyB]

Hey All, just got this bird and I was/am quite impressed with it. However, as Starman pointed out in another thread it doesn't have the Mickey Mouse emblem on it? Every profile I've been able to scour up on the 'net for this time period (April, 1941), seems to have this emblem -- however I've yet to find a matching color/camo scheme and it appears the aircraft was painted and repainted many times from Sept 1940-end of 1941...?? Is the Gemini correct as is? Anyone know?

[parsig9]

This Galland 109 is from the famous Lobster Flight. I find two main results. I'll show you the profiles and both are from Spring (April of 1941) The 1st is from Crandall's painting signed by Galland and his crew chief. The 2nd one is likely from June or July of the same spring

On the 15th, April 1941, Adolf Galland decided to personally deliver a basket of lobsters to the birthday celebration of Gen. Osterkamp. En route Galland made a detour to England, and added three RAF Spitfires to his score.

Gerhard Meyer, Galland's Crew Chief throughout the war, filled a basket with these delicacies and carefully placed it in Galland's new Bf 109 F.

Flying from Brest to Le Touquet, France, with his wingman Oberleutnant Westphal, Galland decided a detour to England was in order. His hunter's instinct paid off as near Dover they surprised a large flight of Spitfires on a training exercise. Being unfamiliar with the new F models Galland inadvertently lowered his landing gear in the heat of the air battle. Even with this handicap he downed three Spitfire Mark II's. As Galland flew through the formation, with the 109's gear down, famous RAF Ace Paddy Finucane chased Galland claiming him as a victory. Notice the basket of seafood behind Galland!

[hworth18]

The only pic I have of Gallands plane is the modified "F" version which doesn't have the yellow cowl, but does have the Mickey mouse emblem on the side..

[johnnyboy]

Could only find this pic of Galland with his 109F

[ZS-VAN]

Great insights parsig. I assume it was not a victory for Finucane?

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

Great insights parsig. I assume it was not a victory for Finucane?

I believe it counted for a time and was erased later when it was discovered that Oberst Galland was still alive and shooting down aircraft.

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by parsig9

I believe it counted for a time and was erased later when it was discovered that Oberst Galland was still alive and shooting down aircraft.

Ok, but was Galland's 109 lost or did he retire and deliver his basket of delicacies?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

Ok, but was Galland's 109 lost or did he retire and deliver his basket of delicacies?

I believe this particular 109F was his for a short time while he waited for his "upgunned" modified F to be delivered, afterwards, it was probably transferred to another pilot to fly..

[wurger_high]

Osprey books are always useful. the Gemini plane is no. 22. obviously...

[PappyB]

Nice -- thanks Wurger! (Parsig, too :-) ) Ah heck, all y'all. Good to know it's not a boo-boo.