Using extracts from his latest AIRfile book, Neil Robinson looks at the colour schemes and markings applied to Messerschmitt Bf 109s used by the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War.
Formed on 7th November 1936, the Condor Legion’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War gave the still fledgling Luftwaffe experience of real combat conditions. The initial force consisted of a Bomber Wing of Junkers Ju 52s, a Fighter Wing of Heinkel He 51Bs, a Reconnaissance Wing of Heinkel He 45s and He 70s and a Seaplane unit of Heinkel He 59B and He 60E floatplanes, plus a General Staff transport and liaison unit equipped with Junkers W 34s and Fieseler Fi 156s. Additional units were also formed to test new aircraft types, giving Germany the opportunity to test some of its new aircraft designs, many of which were later developed and used in World War II.
The Condor Legion’s main fighter was initially the Heinkel He 51, which was soon found to be outclassed by Republican I-15s and I-16s, but when they were replaced by the Bf 109 the situation was soon remedied. New tactics for operating fighters were also developed during this time, and it was found that by flying in loose pairs, pilots maintained greater flexibility and situational awareness, which evolved into the classic finger four formation still used by air forces today.
The first Messerschmitt 109s to appear in Spanish skies were three prototypes, thought to have been V-3, V-4 and V-6, sent for operational testing in late 1936, although no record of any kills by these three aircraft, if indeed any were made, appears to have survived.
Black and white photographs are notoriously difficult to interpret colour wise, but it is thought that these three Versuchs machines were painted in a thin coat of preservative over the natural metal, giving an overall silvery grey finish. Various panels seem to be in slightly different shades, especially on or around the engine cowling, which could indicate darker metal panels showing through the thin coat of the preservative.
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