Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-7 of Joachim Müncheberg in 1/72 Scale

Joachim Müncheberg joined the Luftwaffe in 1938.  His service took him through all the major campaigns fought by the Luftwaffe – the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, the Mediterranean, and the Russian Front.  He scored the majority of his victories against the Western Allies, including an astounding 46 over the Supermarine Spitfire.

In January 1941 he was transferred along with 7./JG 26 to Gela, Sicily to operate against the RAF on Malta.  He scored repeatedly against the Hurricanes there, adding another 25 victories to his tally. The RAF eventually having to disband No. 261 squadron due to severe losses.

Müncheberg was credited with a total of 135 victories.  He was killed on 23MAR43 when he collided with his final victim, an American-flown Spitfire over Tunisia.  Joachim Müncheberg was 24 when he died.

The model depicts the Bf 109 E-7 of 7. / JG 26, as flown by Müncheberg while at Gela, Sicily, March 1941.