History Behind Corgi AA34908: Bf 109G-6 ‘Red 1’ – Maj. Hermann Graf
In 1943, the Luftwaffe formed Jagdgeschwader 50 (JG 50) to intercept the RAF’s high-speed Mosquito reconnaissance aircraft and defend against incoming USAAF bomber formations. Command of this specialist high-altitude unit was given to Major Hermann Graf, the first pilot in history to surpass 200 aerial victories. Flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 “Red 1”, Graf scored several victories with JG 50, including the downing of USAAF B-17 bombers in September 1943.
Graf’s career was remarkable: over 830 combat missions, he achieved 212 confirmed victories - 202 on the Eastern Front and 10 against Western Allied aircraft, including heavy bombers. His Bf 109G was equipped with advanced features such as nitrous-oxide injection for high-altitude performance and underwing rocket mortars designed to disrupt bomber formations.
The Bf 109 itself was one of WWII’s most significant fighters; rugged, adaptable, and the backbone of the Luftwaffe. Constantly upgraded, it became the most produced fighter aircraft in history and a formidable opponent until the end of the war.
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