Tag: major

Soviet War Memorials Southeast of Berlin

CarloRLeave a comment

The final battle for the conquer of Berlin was a massive operation carried out by the Soviet Red Army, who had come on the line of Oder river, marking today’s border between Germany and Poland, at the conclusion of the westward march on the territories of Eastern Europe previously taken over by the Third Reich.

Witnessing the dramatic lack of men and supplies on the German side, the final Soviet attack from that position was launched on April 16th, 1945, to end just less thank two weeks later with the death of Hitler, the conquer of Berlin, and soon after with the German capitulation in early May. In this short time, the Soviets penetrated and gained control of a significant part of what was to become the territory of East Germany, including the capital city of the Reich.

It is estimated that the troops amassed in the spring of 1945 for this operation exceeded 2.2 millions on the Soviet side, whereas the contingent available for the defense of the region on the German side was below 300 thousand men, including almost improvised corps of elders or extremely young people, lacking any military training and experience. As a matter of fact, the original German war machine had been drained of resources also due to the eastward advance of the Western Allies in Western Europe and Germany, where some millions German soldiers were taken prisoners. Actually, by April 1945 the line of the Western front had reached East to the towns of Leipzig, Dessau, Magdeburg and Wismar, very close to Berlin, and all later ceded to the Soviets according to the Jalta and Potsdam agreements.

The defense of Berlin from the Soviet attackers was strenuous though, and heavy losses were recorded on both sides.

One of the most visible remains of these war operations today is a a number of memorials and war cemeteries, of larger and smaller size, scattered over the territory around Berlin. The most conspicuous such memorials are those erected by the winning Soviet forces. Besides their primary role of remembrance, they were in most cases erected soon after the end of the war, then making for an interesting historical trace from that age, when Stalin was the undisputed ruler in the Soviet Union. Their style often reflects the mix of pomp and simplicity typical to the communist art from the time.

Memorials related to these events can be found in Berlin (see here and here) and around. Some to the north of the town have been described in this post. In the present one, three memorials related to the battle around Berlin and located east and south of the German capital are covered – Seelow, Lebus and Baruth.

Photographs were taken in 2021 and 2023.

Sights

Seelow

The memorial in Seelow was designed and installed in 1945, soon after the end of the war in Europe, and was therefore one of the first of the kind. The location is that of the Battle of the Seelower Heights.

The small town of Seelow is located about 8 miles west of the Oder river, marking a natural border with Poland. The hills around the town dominate the flat country reaching to the river. Therefore, for the defending Wehrmacht, this was a natural obstacle between the Soviet invaders and Berlin. The hills were fortified heavily with guns and mortars, and the villages in the area were evacuated in anticipation of a major confrontation.

Fighting was started on the fateful April 16th, 1945, when a Soviet attack was triggered all along the line of the Oder, with a major focal point in the region of Küstrin and Seelow.

The battle went on for four days despite the clear imbalance of resources in favor of the Soviets, due to the advantageous geographical position of the heights around Seelow and the effectiveness of the German defense.

The memorial was erected around a simple statue of a Soviet soldier, put on top of a pinnacle, and portrayed beside the turret of a tank.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

To the base of the pinnacle is a small Soviet cemetery, with some marked graves and some gravestones with multiple names, or dedicated to unknown soldiers perished in the battle.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

From the cemetery, a good view of the plains extending to the east, where this fierce battle was fought in April 1945, can be observed from a vantage point. Purpose-designed maps allow to retrace the positions of the attackers and to pinpoint relevant locations.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

To the base of the monument is a memorial museum. The exhibition is compact but very interesting. Two thematic areas are presented, one related to the historical reconstruction of the battle, the other to the history of the monument and the archaeology of the battlefield around Seelow.

Among the artifacts on display related to the history of the battle are German and Soviet uniforms, machine guns and rifles.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

Interestingly, also mortar shells carrying leaflets are on display: these were employed by the Soviets, who launched propaganda leaflets inviting Germans to surrender, and even passes for the German military who wished to defect to the Soviets side. An armband of the ‘Deutscher Volkssturm Wehrmacht’, the non-professional corps recruited by the Third Reich in a desperate move to gather fresh units for the final defense of the German territory from invasion during the last stages of the war, is also on display.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

The history of the monument is interesting as well, and shows how it evolved from being primarily a Soviet monument – like others in the area – to a public gathering place for official ceremonies in the German Democratic Republic – a place for the celebration of friendship between the USSR and the GDR. Historical pictures, and the addition of a poetic commemoration stone written in German only to the base of the monument, witness this evolution.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

Outside the museum, a courtyard is framed by two original small obelisks with inscriptions in Russian and Soviet iconography. On the courtyard, some heavy armored vehicles – including a Katyusha rocket launcher – are on display.

Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany
Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen – Soviet Monument and Museum by the Seelower Heights – Germany

Getting there and visiting

The monument has a special relevance in the history of the liberation of Germany, and has been modernized and updated over the years. It is still a rather relevant destination for visitors. A ticket is required for the museum only. A visit to the monument may take 20-30 minutes. A complete visit including the museum may require 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Access is very easy, since the location is immediately to the side of the road leaving Seelow for Küstrin (now Kostrzyn, Poland). The name of the site in German is ‘Gedenkstätte Seelower Höhen’, and the address is Küstriner Straße 28a, 15306 Seelow. A small parking can be found right ahead of the access, further parking options cross the street and near the railway station, 1 minute away by walk. A new modern building to the side of the monument hosts the ticket office and a small shop. Website with full information here.

Lebus

The cemetery in Lebus, located on the German bank of the Oder river, about 10 miles southeast of Seelow (see above) was activated already in April 1945 for burying Soviet soldiers perished in the final war actions against Germany. Starting 1946, the status of Soviet cemeteries and monuments established on the territory of the Third Reich was officially defined. The Lebus site received Soviet staff perished in Germany after the war, or unrecognized fallen Soviet soldiers whose remains were found in the years soon after WWII on the East German territory.

Following an agreement between Russia and reunified Germany, extending the relationship formerly existing between the USSR and the GDR on the management of war memorials, the Lebus site became a Russian cemetery. It was refurbished in 2014-16, and at the time of writing it is still an active cemetery, often receiving the remains of Soviet soldiers moved from elsewhere, or still found in the area.

It is estimated that more than 5.000 from the USSR/Russia are buried in Lebus.

The memorial is not much visited by the general public, and is an authentic place of remembrance, sober and silent.

Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany

The architecture is rather simple, with a central perspective leading to an obelisk with a red star on top, a hammer and sickle emblem to the front, and inscriptions in Russian.

Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany

To the sides are two lateral wings, where the names of many fallen soldiers are inscribed on memorial stones.

Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany

To the sides of the perspective are an anti-tank cannon, and some more fields, marked with marble red stars as places of interment of unknown soldiers.

Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany

Also two further memorial walls with many names in Cyrillic alphabet are symmetrically placed to the sides of the perspective.

Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany
Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Lebus – Germany

Getting there and visiting

The location of the Soviet cemetery in Lebus, now called officially ‘Russische Kriegsgräberstätte in Lebus’, is on Lindenstrasse, immediately after leaving Strasse d. Freiheit, Lebus. It is clearly marked by an indication sign, and recognizable by the external fence. Parking can be found 200 ft further north on Lindenstrasse, on the side of a local school.

The site is not mainly a touristic destination, but a real, well maintained (war) cemetery. It is apparently open 24/7 and not actively guarded. Visiting may take 20 minutes, or more for specifically interested subjects.

Baruth

The Soviet war cemetery of Baruth was erected between 1946 and 1947 for the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Halbe. The battle was a last confrontation between the Soviet Red Army and the Wehrmacht, taking between April 24th to the first days of May 1945 – the very last battle out of Berlin.

The battle was fought around the village of Halbe, south of Berlin, between what remained of the German defense retreating from the bank of the Oder, and two large columns of the invading Soviet Army. The German forces got mostly surrounded in a salient. Losses were very heavy on both sides, of the order of the tens of thousands.

The war cemetery for Soviet soldiers, the final resting place for some thousands of fallen troops, is clearly visible when passing by, thanks to the two T-34 tanks put as gate guardians.

Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany

The architecture of the place is rather simple, and composed of a rectangular yard crossed by an alley, leading to a very tall obelisk. The obelisk features a big metal star on top, and a hammer and sickle metal emblem in the middle.

Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany

To the base of the obelisk are two bas-reliefs with war scenes.

Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany

A number of marked gravestones can be found on the greens around the obelisk. More recent – yet pretty old – additions, somewhat altering the original neat appearance of the ensemble, include a wall with applied gravestones and names inscribed on it.

Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany
Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark – Soviet Monument and Cemetery Baruth – Battle of Halbe – Germany

Getting there and visiting

The Baruth war cemetery, named ‘Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark’ in German, can be found along the road 96 (Bundestrasse 96), about 1 mile north of the homonym town of Baruth. The monument can be clearly spotted on the eastern side of the road. A small parking can be found ahead of the entrance.

Due to the secluded and isolated location, the place is not a highly popular tourist destination, yet it is frequented by relatives and descendants of those interred on site. It is well cared for and perfectly maintained. It is apparently open 24/7.

A prototypical Soviet war cemetery from Stalin’s years, likely the largest in the region south Berlin, it is definitely worth a stop when visiting the area. A visit may take 20 minutes.

Notably, the place is located about 7 miles south of Wünsdorf (see this post), the former Soviet headquarters in the German Democratic Republic, which is crossed by the same road 96.

Berlin Airlift 70th Anniversary Celebrations in Schleswig-Jagel

CarloRLeave a comment

The blockade imposed by Stalin on the jointly administrated city of Berlin in the spring of 1948 dissipated any doubts on the post-WWII attitude of the Soviet Union towards their former allies in the west. The ensuing joint effort to support the trapped population of Berlin resulted in one of the major airlift operations in history – the Berlin Airlift, or Luftbrücke in German language. In June 2019, 70 years after the end of the blockade, Germany hosted a great celebration for the anniversary of this vital operation.

History – in Brief

The blockade started slowly, with trains crossing the Soviet occupied territory – soon to become administrated as a new state, the communist German Democratic Republic – between Berlin and western Germany forced to stop and go back, truck routes closed, increased controls at border checkpoints. In early summer, the city was completely isolated from the west.

The Soviets tried to motivate the move with treaty violations by the western forces, but this did not receive much credit by the administration of President Truman in the US, nor in Britain, France, or the occupied territories of western Germany. To mitigate the lack of coal, food, drugs and other goods of primary use for the local population, the joint forces of the United States, Britain, France, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand set up a massive airlift under the coordination of the US military.

Over roughly a year more than 275’000 flights were carried out, mainly between three airfields in the territory of western Germany – Jagel, Fassberg and Wiesbaden – occupied by the western Allies, to Berlin Tempelhof downtown airport (see this post), as well as other land and water bases in the cut-off urban area. These were operated with a variety of transport aircraft, including Douglas C-47 and C-54 twin and four-propeller cargo planes manufactured in the US, as well as several British models, including some Shorts seaplanes.

Stalin opted to avoid an escalation. The blockade was finally lifted by the Soviets on May 12, 1949. The situation was stabilized with the birth of the Federal Republic of Germany in the west, and of the opposing German Democratic Republic in the east, later the same year. The western sectors of Berlin were to remain an enclave of the free world deep in the communist bloc for slightly more than another 40 years, when the GDR – aka DDR in German language – finally ceased to exist, and the re-unification started.

A great museum tracing the history of the presence of the western Allies in Berlin, telling the history of the Airlift in great detail, is the Allied Museum (website here) in the former US sector of Berlin-Zehlendorf.

70th Anniversary Celebrations in Germany

In 2019 the 70th year since the end of the blockade, lifted as a result of the airlift effectively sustaining the population of Berlin for an entire year, was celebrated with the patronage of the German government with a series of unique aircraft-related events. The most prominent were a few formation flights of an incredible group of historical aircraft, between the airfields formerly used as supply bases for the airlift.

One of these, the still-active military airfield of Jagel, in Schleswig-Holstein some 60 miles north of Hamburg, hosted a ‘spotter day’ on June 13th, 2019, when a few hundreds photographers were admitted for the whole day on the premises of the airbase, to assist to the landing, departure and flypast of a fleet of nine Douglas C-47, a major workhorse in the days of the airlift.

This marked possibly the largest grouping of such historic aircraft in Europe since many years. But what made the event even more unique – besides the weather, incredibly mild for the region… – was the origin of the aircraft, which except for one are all based in the US. They crossed the Atlantic once more to parade in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in Normandy, attended also by President Trump and Charles, Prince of Wales. A few days after, they toured Germany for the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

Besides the commemoration flight, normal flying activity was carried out during the spotter day around the airbase, so this was a good chance to assist to flight operations by Tornados and Typhoons of the German Air Force, as well as other military aircraft.

Historical Flight – Fly-in

A single C-47 arrived earlier than all others, anticipating the massive fly-in of the full wing of Douglas C-47 twin-prop liners. Later on, a flypast all Skytrains to take part in the event started from the east of the field. The aircraft then landed one by one, taxied ahead of the photographers and after a stop of a few hours, took off in a row for another location in Germany.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 C-47
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 C-47
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 C-47
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 C-47
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3

US Air Force C-47A/DC-3C ‘Miss Virginia’

The first aircraft to come was ex-USAAF 43-30655, built in 1943 as a military C-47A. The aircraft fell in private hands in the 1970s, after yeast stored in Arizona, when it was converted into an DC-3C, an energized version of the original 1930s design. It spent the 1980s in Colombia, then returned to the US as a utility aircraft. It was finally acquired for restoration and given the nice US Air Mobility Command colors it bears today. It flies with the civilian registration N47E.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A US Air Force 0-30665

Golden Age Tours C-41A

This incredible aircraft, now in civilian hands since long, is a unique example of an executive version of the original 1935 DC-3. Built in 1938, it entered military service soon after as a private flight for Maj. General Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold – an instrumental figure in the reorganization of the US military forces upon the early 1940s. It went on keeping its original executive configuration, and today it is lent out for special flights and for filming purposes from its base near San Francisco, CA. It bears the civilian registration N341A.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N341A

USAAF C-47A 43-30647 ‘Virginia Ann’

This aircraft was in service with the USAAF since 1943. It took part to the D-Day operations with the name ‘Virginia Ann’, but was put on storage soon after WWII. It later went to private owners and was based in many domestic locations, including being part of the famous Planes of Fame collection in Chino, CA (see this post). Today it is still based on the West Coast, with the registration N62CC.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 330647 N62CC

Chalair C-47B

This C-47B was built among the latest in May 1945. It was surplus for the USAAF soon after WWII, so it joined the Royal Air Force inventory, and from there it left for Canada, where it enjoyed many years of service as a VIP transport in the Royal Canadian Air Force until the 1970s. It reportedly served as a Royal Flight for the Queen of England during a visit to Canada. After withdrawal from active service and changing hands several times in Canada, it was finally acquired in France and totally restored in the late 2000s. It flies with the registration F-AZOX.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47B ChalAir F-AZOX

Johnson Flying Service, Inc. C-47 ‘Miss Montana’

This incredible aircraft was built soon after the WWII, and as many other surplus C-47, it moved to the civilian market. This aircraft was used in firefighting operations over the Northern Rockies, and was even involved in a tragic accident, crashing in the water causing fatalities. It was drawn back to a second life through the effort of the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula, Montana, where it is based now, with the registration N24320.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3A NC24320 Johnson Flying Service Inc.

Legend Airways C-47D/DC-3C ‘Liberty’

A true combat veteran of WWII, this aircraft was pressed into service with the USAAF in mid-1943, and took part in operations in Algeria and the Mediterranean, as well as the D-Day in Normandy, where it sustained direct hits from German anti-aircraft guns. Soon after the turbulent war years, after returning to the US it fell into private hands in the south as a corporate transport. It kept the role, undergoing several upgrades, until it was finally acquired for a lavish restoration and cabin refurbishment, which gave it its current appearance. It is based in Colorado, where it is being operated for pleasure flights and filming, with the registration N25641.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3C N25641 Legend Airways

Pan American Airways System C-47B/DC-3

This aircraft had an adventurous history between its entry into service in 1944 and the early 1950s. It was originally allocated to the Chinese National Aviation Corporation, which in the war years carried out covert flights over a route known as the ‘hump’. These allowed resupply of Chinese forces from the British Empire in India, through resupply flights over the high peaks of western Tibet. This aircraft flew on that very dangerous route, until the breakdown of the Japanese forces and the end of WWII. As the Chinese National Aviation Corporation reverted back to normal operations, this aircraft was turned into a commuter between Hong-Kong and Canton. In the meanwhile, Mao Tse-Tung communist revolution subjugated China overturning the government. The new dictatorship tried to grab as many aircraft as possible, which in the meanwhile tried to escape from the country, assisted by western powers. This very aircraft, after some years on ground in China, was finally allowed to leave for the US, where it arrived in 1953. Since then it was refurbished as a corporate aircraft, and enjoyed a long career, being finally restored with a VIP internal layout and carefully reconstructed 1953 on-board systems. It is registered as N877MG.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47 DC-3
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas DC-3 N877MG Pan American Airways System

USAAF C-47DL 43-15087

The aircraft you see flying is indeed a WWII veteran, but not with the colors you see today. The number 43-15087 on the tail refers to a C-47 which actually took part to the operations over Normandy on June 6th, 1944. But the airframe you actually see entered service with the USAAF as a personnel transport in North Africa and the Middle East in 1943. It then went to the Armee de l’Air in France, then to civilian operators in France and back in the US after the 1960s. There it was later restored and changed livery several times for special occasions, like the 75th anniversary of the D-Day – the ‘9X-P’ designation you see now. It is based in Texas, with the US registration N150D.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 315087 N150D

USAAF C-47 42-26044 ‘Placid Lassie’

Pressed into service in the summer of 1943, this aircraft is a true combat veteran, having flown on June 6th, 1944 over Normandy, and in September 1944 for several times over Flanders during the ill-fated operation ‘Market Garden’. It then went on as a civilian transport in the continental US. After years spent in disrepair, it was drawn back to life in the 2000s, and is now flown by a foundation dedicated to the crew of ‘1D-N’ during WWII.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589
Jagel Spotterday 2019 70th Anniversary Berlin Airlift Douglas C-47A USAAF 224064 N74589

German Air Force Aircraft

As the historical flight performed basically a fly-in and fly-out, in the few hours between them the aircraft of the German Air Force – the Luftwaffe – and of the Navy – the Marine – based at Jagel flew for the public. There were also German aircraft taken there in preparation for the day of the Armed Forces – Tag des Bundeswehr – to be celebrated the following week-end with an open day of the base.

Jagel is the home base for the Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 51 ‘Immelmann’, which currently operates the Panavia Tornado. These massive swing-wing aircraft flew in several time slots during the spotter day.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+44 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+44 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+32 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+32 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+35 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+35 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+49 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+44 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+44 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+35 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+35 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+32 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR 46+32 Luftwaffe

Small formations demonstrated refueling abilities.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado ECR Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Refuelling Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Refuelling Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Refuelling Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Refuelling Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe

Some passages were performed at high speed, with maximum sweep.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann

One of the aircraft has been painted in a flamboyant celebration livery, with the portrait of Max Immelman, a German WWI ace, on the vertical tail.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado IDS 43+25 Luftwaffe Immelmann

Another impressive performance was given by a Eurofighter Typhoon, a massive delta-winged twin-jet with a tail-less, all-moving canard configuration. This compares well in size with the Super Hornet – a pretty massive attack aircraft.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Eurofighter Typhoon Luftwaffe 31+08

This very aircraft is from the Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 ‘Boelcke’, based in Nörvenich.

At some point in the day, there was a flypast of a single Lockheed P-3 Orion, on strength to the German Navy – Marine. On its double passage it was possible to see the large racks for sonobuoys under the belly of this four-propeller aircraft.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Lockheed P3 Orion 60+07 Marine

There were also exhibitions by some rotorcrafts, including a huge Sikorsky CH-53G, an Airbus H145 and a larger NH-90, the most modern of the three. The very dark camo livery made them pretty difficult to photograph, despite a rather wide zoom lens I was using for the task.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 H145 76+02 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 NH90 78+36 Heer
Jagel Spotterday 2019 NH90 78+36 Heer
Jagel Spotterday 2019 NH90 78+36 Heer
Jagel Spotterday 2019 NH90 78+36 Heer
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Sikorsky CH-53G 84+38 Luftwaffe

Finally, a pretty rare aircraft, albeit possibly not so eye-catching, a single Dornier Do-28 military light transport landed in the evening.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Dornier Do-28 59+11 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Dornier Do-28 59+11 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Dornier Do-28 59+11 Marine
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Dornier Do-28 59+11 Marine

Visiting Aircraft from Other Countries

Other aircraft landed and departed from the base, some possibly in preparation for the Tag des Bundeswehr to be held a couple of days later. These aircraft were not from Germany.

First, two more Tornadoes of the Italian Air Force landed at some point, and posed for photographers. They belong to the 6° Stormo ‘Diavoli Rossi’, based at Ghedi. A small devil’s face is painted on the vertical tail of these aircraft.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 41 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 41 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 41 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado 6 13 Italian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Tornado Luftwaffe

A SAAB JAS-39 Gripen of the Hungarian Air Force, in a twin-seat configuration, landed soon after.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 43 Hungarian Air Force

A single Aero L-159 Alca of the Czech Air Force appeared at some point.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Aero L-159A Alca 6051 Czech Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Aero L-159A Alca 6051 Czech Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Aero L-159A Alca 6051 Czech Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Aero L-159A Alca 6051 Czech Air Force

An Antonov An-26 of the Hungarian Air Force landed and later departed. An iconic Soviet-made transport, this sturdy workhorse is still flying in many Countries, both for the Armed Forces and for civilian operators as well.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Antonov An-26 406 Hungarian Air Force

A single Pilatus PC-9 of the private company Qinetiq made an appearance.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Pilatus PC-9 D-FGMT Qinetiq
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Pilatus PC-9 D-FGMT Qinetiq
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Pilatus PC-9 D-FGMT Qinetiq
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Pilatus PC-9 D-FGMT Qinetiq

Finally, two pretty rare Douglas A4 belonging to the Canadian private training company Jet Aces landed and taxied for the photographers, one of them in a rather eye-catching NATO anniversary commemoration livery.

Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada
Jagel Spotterday 2019 Douglas A-4 Top Aces Canada

Final Note

The Marine base of Schleswig-Jagel where this event took place was originally a Luftwaffe airfield, operated by the British military during the Berlin Airlift and until the early Sixties, and later handed over to the Federal Republic of Germany. It is still today an active airbase. There is no public access except on special occasions.