[Geek44]

The US wasn't the only nation to decorate or personalise aircraft, but they were perhaps the most prolific. Nevertheless, this thread is for everybody else.

 Bf 110 Shark 1.jpg (18.62K)
Number of downloads: 70

This early Bf110 G was photographed just as the port engine caught and started, blowing smoke from the exhaust. It belonged to III./NJG 3. This unit was formed with elements of II./ZG 76 who used the 'Haifische' (shark) emblem originally and was retained by several aircraft. The aerials on the nose are for FuG 220 SN-2 radar which at the time the photo was taken, wasn't affected by the Allied use of 'Window' as it operated on a different wavelength to earlier radars. The array on the wingtip was for FuG 227 'Flensburg' which was a device that homed in on Allied tail-warning radar. The pitot tube which normally protruded from the starboard wingtip, has been relocated further inboard to prevent interference with this device.
Apologies for small pic.

[Wustenfuchs]

Here's a destroyed Ju 88 with a "Totenkpof" painted on the nose.

[cyberia]

Australian?

[cyberia]

[Geek44]

It might be Aussie Paul but it also may not be. I'd be interested to know what type of aircraft it was on. Aussies flew many Allied types during WW2 including Spitfire Mk. VIII (the designation given to exported Spits of any mark) and B-24 Liberators. from what I've seen, Aussie B-24s were all natural metal...it looks like a pretty big surface...might be a B-25 too.
BTW that 'Boxing Kangaroo' motif is still used. Keep an eye on the Aussie supporters at the Olympics.

[cyberia]

I have no clue Nick. The photo was cropped as you see it and no info what so ever.

[Geek44]

As usual mate. The art has an 'early Disney' vibe to me. Picture 'Steamboat Mickey'.

[Geek44]

Here's a fairly interesting one. This is a Soviet LaGG-3 of an unknown unit in 1942. Not the best Russian I've seen but pretty cool nonetheless.
 LaGG 3 Shark Mouth.jpg (28.75K)
Number of downloads: 66

[Geek44]

Here's one of my favourites. Not strictly 'nose' art, but I think it's relevant.
Peace.

 StukaSnake.jpg (14.18K)
Number of downloads: 70

[cyberia]

This is a panel cut from the side of a Ju-52 titled "Lili"

Note the snowman in a German helmet

[Wustenfuchs]

The snowman is very German, but it's the first time I've seen "pin up" art on a German plane. Great find.

[cyberia]

Wustenfuchs said:

The snowman is very German, but it's the first time I've seen "pin up" art on a German plane. Great find.

I did a double take when I saw it. To my understanding this type of art on German aircraft was "frowned upon".

But not by me!

[cyberia]

A Bf-110 Wespe (Wasp)

[McCoy]

[cyberia]

According to the information provided this is Aussie nose art

[Geek44]

That would seem right. I know the RAAF used P-40s in Africa. Looks like Africa to me. I think the great Clive Caldwell flew P-40s for a time.

[cyberia]

I have my doubts on this one. The photo info provided says the nose art is Italian, but the guy in the Jeep is definitely American. Could be a captured plane I suppose.

[Geek44]

It looks like another P-40 to me mate. In Australia, we have a saying 'Gone Troppo' which could be misspelled on the plane as 'tropo'. It means to go mad due to tropical climate specifically or just go mad (insane not angry). However, the cat/mouse motif was an Italian unit insignia but I believe it was a bomber unit that flew Savoia Marchetti SM79 Sparviero aircraft.

[cyberia]

It looked like a P-40 to me too, only when I put the photos side by side the riveting and scoop looked different. I'm far from an expert on planes, but I still have my doubts its Italian.

[Wolster]

Have to agree Nick, that is a P40, that is a jeep and whislt he could be American that looks like a RAF/RAAF hat he is wearing.