ACE-205 Messerschmitt Bf-109 E4 Stab/ JG53 “Pik As”, HOlt. Friedrich Karl Tutti Muller, Etaples, France, August 1940.

The second anomoly, and one frequently recorded as a political gesture on the part of the Geschwader, occurred almost concurrently with the reintroduction of the' Pik As' emblem. Many aircraft from II. and III Gruppen had the Hakenkreuz on their fins overpainted, with several pilots using these areas to display their individual Abschuss tallies rather than in the more usual location on the rudder (e.g. Lt. Schmidt, Adjutant of III./JG53). How long this lasted is not known for certain but some aircraft of III.Gruppe were recorded as still without their Hakenkreuz in late November.

Friedrich-Karl "Tutti” Muller (Dec 25th 1916 – May 29th 1944)

Was a German fighter ace, and is credited with 140 aerial victories, claimed in more than 600 combat missions.

Initially volunteering for military service in the army in 1938, he completed flight training in 1939, and was posted to JG 53. Flying with this wing Muller claimed his first aerial victory on 27th May 1940 during the Battle of France. He was to claim his 100th aerial victory on the eastern front in 1942, and was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, on 23rd September 1942.

Muller was killed in a landing accident on 29th May 1944, and was posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant.

Scale 1:30 / 60mm