Jagdgeschwader 51 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 Canvas | INCLUDES: Skin Fragment

This aluminum skin relic was recovered near the town of Gumrak, Russia, close to the Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) airport. Likely originating from a Messerschmitt Bf 109, possibly an F-4 or G-2 variant, this aircraft part connects directly to the fierce air battles during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943. Found near the Pitomnik and Gumrak airfields, the relic sheds light on the role of German aircraft during one of the most pivotal engagements of World War II.Messerschmitt Bf 109 aluminum skin fragment with RLM 70 and RLM 74 paint colors At the time, Gumrak and Pitomnik airfields were critical supply and support bases for the encircled 6th Army, trapped by Soviet forces in the infamous Stalingrad pocket. The German command heavily relied on these airfields to supply the encircled 6th Army, with Tatsinskaya and Morozovsk serving as main supply bases, while smaller airstrips like Voroponovo and Basargino supported transport and fighter operations.Luftwaffe fighters like the Bf 109 were tasked with providing air cover, engaging Soviet aircraft, and protecting German supply lines.