Dear m8s !!

I received this morning several HM models from Antics Ltd UK, and among my AFVs, the 1/48 model HG1203.

It's a Volkswagen "Kübelwagen" type 82 car, wearing the Luftwaffe license plate "WL391711", and showing the markings "OTTO" and the emblem of the 1gruppe/Jagdgeschwader 27 at the rear of the car.

1/JG27 Emblem

This Kübelwagen is an ideal cross-over between Planes and AFVs models collections and here is its story.

Nevertheless this apparently German first name (Otto), it was offered in Summer 1942 by the pilots of an Italian Squadriglia to Haupt. Hans Joachim Marseille (His French ancestors went to Germany due to  religions wars), the 22 years aged German ace of the Deutsches Afrika Korps (DAK) in commemoration of 8 ("otto" in Italian) victories obtained in a one day mission. 

Above: HJ Marseille (center of rhe photo) and one of his wing mates. The letters "OTTO" were individually ornamented with different animals drawings.

  His better known plane was the famous Me 109 F4 "Yellow 14":

He died aged 23 the 30th September 1942 when bailing out his incidentally burning Me109 G2. He was credited with 158 confirmed victories and he was the leading Luftwaffe ace against Western fliers, and one of the nine German aces to earn the "Diamonds" on his RitterKreuz.

See the history and photographs relating to these events by linking to:

http://acepilots.com/german/marseille.html

Just before wishing you a merry X-Mas and a Happy 2012 New Year with my kindest regards, 

here are some photos of the OTTO HM model.

Ciao all and take care !

Jeff