Hobbymaster HA9009 1:114 Air Power Series JU52/3m 1Z+BF Balkan Campaign 1941

The Ju-52 first flew in 1930 as a single engine civil aircraft. Before long it was given two more engines and designated Ju-52/3m (German - drei motoren - "three engines"). The 3-engine aircraft was originally designed as a 17 passenger airliner. The principal user was Lufthansa that flew in Europe, Asia and South America. In the mid 1930’s a military version was produced and the Ju-52 became one of the most reliable transport aircraft. The Ju-52 saw service with military and civilian air fleets well into the 1980s.

The Aircraft

The Italian Army was driven back when they attempted an attack on Greece in 1940. Yugoslavia had been an Axis ally but anti-German forces toppled the government in March 1941. So in April 1941 Hitler was forced to send troops and supplies so Germany could secure a southern flank for the coming invasion of the Soviet Union. Luftwaffe transports played a key role in the rapid deployment of German units to the Balkan region. After only 22 days Yugoslavia and Greece had fallen and the next German operation would be the taking of Crete. KGzbV - Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung, or Bombardment Wing for special duties.