Werk Nr 10639

10639 at the time of it's capture.

Werk Nr 10639 is a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2/Trop.

History

Middle East

Originally laid down by Erla at Leipzig as a Bf 109F-3, 10639 was completed as a G-2/Trop in mid 1942, and issued to JG 77 at Gambut, Libya as Black 6. Shortly after it's arrival, the aircraft sustained combat damage and forced landed at Gambut, where it was abandoned.

Captured by Australian forces in November 1942, Black 6 was claimed as a trophy by personnel from 3 Squadron RAAF, who restored the aircraft to airworthiness, complete with unit codes CV-V. The post restoration flight was carried out on 10 November, by 3 Squadron's Commanding Officer, Sqd Ldr Robert 'Bobby' Gibbs. News of the aircraft's exsistance reached 209 Group, whose demand that Black 6 be handed over to them dashed hopes of sending the fighter to Australia for display. Instead, Black 6 was flown to Lyyda, Palestine for evaluation, participating in mock combats with locally based Spitfires during late 1942 and early 1943.