Messerschmitt Bf 108B 'Taifun' lost in 1941

A Ukrainian colleague forwarded me a photo taken by the Soviets sometimes in 1941 (see below).



The photo appears to show a Rumanian Messerschmitt Bf 108B 'Taifun' lost over Soviet-held territory. On the aircraft's fin top 'Me 108-4' could be written, but I am not sure.

My information says that No. 4 was lost in mid-August 1944 due to friendly flak fire.
However, I do know that No. 7 was lost sometimes in the 1941 Campaign.

Does anyone know the circumstances of all the Bf 108s lost in 1941?

Thanks.

Gen. Dénes

This post has been edited by Dénes on January 30, 2007 08:39 am

I just found in my notes that No. 7 was damaged in an accident on 18 Aug. on Tecuci airfield.
So this one is solved.

However, the mystery of the Soviet photo still persists. Any help?

Gen. Dénes

No.4 was downed by german a.a. in August 1944 near Buhaesti,Iasi.

Yes, I know that (see my post above).
However, how can we explain the photo reportedly taken by Soviet soldiers in Bessarabia, in 1941?
Perhaps, the number of the crashed Bf 108 was reissued? If yes, it would be a very rare case.

Do you know of ANY Rumanian Bf 108 lost in combat in 1941? Maybe the photo doesn't show No. 4 after all...

Thanks,

Gen. Dénes

This post has been edited by Dénes on January 30, 2007 08:46 am

It is 1944! And that explain everything.

You could very well be right, George, and the date on the photo is wrong.

By the way, the Ukrainian fellow thought that this photo might be linked to one of the following incidents, recorded for July 2, 1941:

"At 15:15, at 2km from Kukuneshti, a single-engine airplane landed in error. The 3-man crew was captured.
In the area of Ryshkanovka, a ‘PZL-23’ was shot down, the crew made up by three persons was taken prisoner”.

Can you identify any of these two aircraft?
One could be the I.A.R. 39 of Esc. 15 obs., shot down above Ianova, but I have no clue of the other one.

Thanks, in advance.

Gen. Dénes

Me-108 No.4 was downed to close to 23 August and remained on location.
For IAR-39,it`s correct,bur only the Lt.obs. was POW,the rest escaped into frendly lines.
Karas entered operation much later.

Yes, I know about this. Most probably they are talking of another aircraft with 3-man crew. Soviets (and not only) were notorious in mis-identifying enemy airplane types.

Any ideas about the second airplane's identity?

Gen. Dénes

The other one could be an IAR-39 from Esc.20 Obs. lost that day.

George, do you have any details of the second loss (aircraft's number, crew, their fate, hour and location of crash, etc.)? I need these to try to match the two events.

Thanks, in advance.

Gen. Dénes

I`m sorry.I have only the report from St.Maj.Aer witch give only that.