Junkers Ju 52/3m Color Photographs

Junkers developed the Ju 52 as a single-engined civilian airliner in the early 1930s.  The design soon picked up two additional engines (with the /3m designation) and was produced for the Luftwaffe as a transport.  It served throughout the war wherever the Luftwaffe had a presence.  Production continued after the war in France and Spain, and several airworthy examples survive today.

This example is seen in Poland during September 1939 bringing in supplies to the invading German army. The corrugated skin of the Ju 52 was designed to strengthen the aircraft. (Hugo Jaeger photograph)

A useful view of the interior as some of the supplies appear reluctant to be unloaded. (Hugo Jaeger photograph)

Borders between European nations were re-drawn frequently, often leaving civilians on the “wrong side” of a boarder after a conflict. Here ethnic Germans are being returned to Poland in an area now under German control. This photograph gives a good impression of the similar tones of the RLM 70 / 71 greens used in the splinter camouflage. (Hugo Jaeger photograph)

An important utilization of the Luftwaffe’s transport arm was in supplying Rommel’s’ Afrika Korps. Here a Ju 52 is seen arriving at an airfield in Tunesia.

Transport flights were often conducted in large groups, especially as Allied fighter strength grew and efforts were increased to incept them. This has resulted in a congested airfield, a tempting target.

Transport efforts were costly, as attested to by this Ju 52 wreck seen at Gabes Airfield in Tunesia in March 1943. A British column passes in the background.

Ju 52 wreckage at the edge of a Tunisian airfield, including one example which appears rather intact. Note the yellow recognition panels on the underside of the engine cowlings.

The “Tante Ju” (Auntie Ju) was often utilized in the casualty evacuation role, and some examples were dedicated “air ambulances” as their primary mission. These aircraft often replaced their Balkenkreuz markings with the Red Cross, as seen here.

A different application of the Red Cross is seen on WNr 2999 on the Eastern Front.

Standard transports were also used to evacuate wounded, as seen here in France. (Hugo Jaeger photograph)