Jagdgeschwader 53 was chosen as the title for our virtual squadron as it was one of the Luftwaffe fighter wings that flew BF109s in France through Autumn '44. It was known as the 'Pik As' Geschwader (or 'Ace of Spades' fighter wing) and had origins going back to 1937, flying various models of the BF109 throughout the second World War. Many of it's initial members were experienced ex Condor Legion pilots who had gained much operational experience during the Spanish Civil War.
During the Battle of Britain it was reported that Goering suspected the commanding officer's wife of being Jewish and ordered the whole of JG 53 to remove the Ace of Spades symbol and to replace it with a red stripe around the engine cowling in punishment. In protest, the swastika was also removed from the tails and the JG53 aircraft were instantly recognisable with red stripes and lack of swastika. The Ace of Spades symbol was subsequently permitted again when the squadron leadership changed in September '40 and the red stripe was removed.
The unit saw service on the Eastern Front, over Sicily, Malta and North Africa and in defence of Germany right until the end of the War, disbanding shortly before VE Day.
