The last Messerschmitt ME 109 flown by Adolf Galland

April 20, 2016 (MMD Newswire) — The last aircraft from the famous “Messerschmitt Collection” used in the film “Battle of Britain” has been made available by collection managers Boschung Global Ltd, in what is a rare opportunity for collectors or investors.

The “Battle Of Britain” movie was filmed in 1968. Wanting as much authenticity as possible, the producers hired British Ace Robert Stanford Tuck and German Ace and former Head of the Luftwaffe, General Adolf Galland as ‘Technical Advisors” on the movie to ensure the film flying was as accurate as possible.

In May of 1968 filming was moved from England to Tablada Air Base in Spain. During the filming, Adolf Galland convinced the producers to let him make one flight in the dual control Messerschmitt with the Chief Test Pilot for the Spanish Air Force, Commandante Pedro Santa Cruz sitting in the back seat as his instructor. Galland had remained active as a pilot after the war, but this was his first flight in a Messerschmitt since the wars end.

Chief Stunt Pilot Wilson “Connie” Edwards stated that a few days later, after filming concluded for the day, everyone headed to the local bar to unwind and drink a few beers. Moments later they heard a Messerschmitt (s/n 220) take off and climb for altitude. Everyone went outside to watch the Messerschmitt fly and it put on “the most impressive aerobatic display I’ve ever seen in a Messerschmitt”. The aircraft came in and landed and only then did they realize that the pilot was none other than General Adolf Galland. This unauthorized flight became Galland’s last flight in a Messerschmitt ME-109. The movie producers made sure that Galland was not permitted to fly again during the remainder of the filming.

At the conclusion of filming the production company claiming that they were so far over budget, tried to present Chief Stunt Pilot Wilson “”Connie” Edwards with an IOU for his 9 months of flying on the movie. Not trusting the producers, Edwards negotiated a deal which saw him acquire 16 Messerschmitt 109′s as payment for his flying services. Edwards quickly traded two Messerschmitt’s for a Spitfire IX that was also used in the movie, and they shipped the Spitfire and 14 Messerschmitt’s back to his ranch in West Texas, USA. The aircraft went into deep storage except for the Spitfire and one Messerschmitt, which Edwards had reassembled, and licensed on the US register. The Messerschmitt he chose to license and fly was s/n 220 – the same aircraft which his good friend Adolf Galland had made his last Messerschmitt flight in. Registered as N4109G, s/n 220 was flown by Edwards all over West Texas between 1969-73. In 2015, s/n 220 along with five other Messerschmitts and 2 incomplete projects were sold by Edwards.

The aircraft is the last remaining example of the Messerschmitt family available in original ‘as last flown’ condition. As such, the window of opportunity to be the proud owner of such an iconic aircraft will be fleeting, he who hesitates will lose! Whatever your background or location, whether an individual or a corporation and no matter if historic aviation appeals or not, those with vision will realize the potential associated with this aircraft given its provenance -whether it purely for future financial appreciation or ‘just’ the prestige of being the proud owner of a slice of aviation history.

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Link to download the image in high resolution: www.boschungglobal.com/press/220.jpg

MEDIA CONTACT: Boschung Global Ltd. Phone: +41 44 388 92 14 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.boschungglobal.com/aviation.html