Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan
 
Posted By: Clint Muse <clint@musec.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 5:14 p.m.
 
Hello All
I read recently that Messerschmitt Bf 108s were supplied to Japan. Were these civilian aircraft or did any see service in a military role during the Pacific War?
Regards
Clint Muse
 
Posted By: Peter Starkings <stkngs@globalnet.co.uk>
Date: Saturday, 28 October 2000, at 3:14 a.m.
 
In Response To: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Clint Muse)
 
Hi Clint!
One Bf 108 was bought by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper group in 1936 to transport photos of the Berlin Olympic games to Tokyo. It was registered J-BACC, carried the crossed flags of Japan and Germany on the rudder and was fitted with an additional fuel tank as mentioned by David Aiken. Incidentally, the registration J-BACC was previously used for a Ryan NYP-2 owned by the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun and grounded in 1935.
Fifteen Bf-108s were also bought by Manchurian Airlines for use as light transports on internal feeder line and liaison duties carrying up to three passengers. They had registrations in the M-50 upwards series, for example M-58. One of these aircraft was destroyed by Russian fighters in the Nomonhan Incident.
Peter
 
Posted By: Clint Muse <clint@musec.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Saturday, 28 October 2000, at 5:48 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Peter Starkings)
 
Hi Peter
Thanks for the info. Have you any information as to whether any of the Manchurian Airline machines were passed to the Manchukuoan Air Force?
Regards
Clint
 
Posted By: Peter Starkings <stkngs@globalnet.co.uk>
Date: Monday, 30 October 2000, at 8:47 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Clint Muse)
 
Clint - I am afraid that I have not (yet!) come across any evidence to suggest that Bf 108s ever served with either the Manchurian Air Force (MAF) or JAAF. The Bf 108 shot down in the Nomonhan Incident is recorded specifically as being in Manchurian Airline (MAL) service at the time. In the late 1930s some MAL aircraft were used by the JAAF as transports in the Hankow area of China. In 1941 prior to outbreak of the Pacific War several MAF and MAL aircraft were transferred to French Indo China to assist the JAAF on reconnaissance and transport duties. The Bf 108 is not included in the lists of aircraft concerned that I have found for these instances.
Sorry to disappoint you! Regards, Peter
 
Posted By: Rui Aballe <rhino@mail.telepac.pt>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 5:32 p.m.
 
In Response To: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Clint Muse)
 
Hi Clint!
This is very interesting. Can you please tell me what's your source? I never heard/read anything about Bf 108 Taifuns supplied to Japan. I'm more or less well informed about Hungarian, Spanish or Yugoslav military machines, to name a few, and, although the idea of Hinomaru adorned Bf 108s may look great, I strongly suspect these must have been civil aircraft.
Best regards,
Rui Aballe
 
Posted By: Clint Muse <clint@musec.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 5:44 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Rui Aballe)
 
Hi Rui
The source for the information is German Aircraft of the Second World War written by J.R. Smith and E. J. Creek published by Putnams. While Putnams are usually a reliable publisher I must admit I was surprised myself. The book states that fifty Bf 108B were exported pre-war. After deducting the exports to the USSR, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria etc, I would guess the numbers to Japan must have been small. I wonder if use in Manchukuo is a possibility. At least I seem to recall some mention of this without being able to reall the source. Hopefully, someone knows more. I’ll continue to search if I can supply anything more definite I'll let you know.
Regards
Clint
 
Posted By: Phil <Phil_Graf@baylor.edu>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 5:51 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Clint Muse)
 
It's also mentioned in Combat Aircraft of World War Two, but no numbers are given.
 
Posted By: Rui Aballe <rhino@mail.telepac.pt>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 6:59 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Phil)
 
Hi again!
Thanks Clint! I am looking forward to see what might be discovered about these elusive Taifuns. A friend of mine from Valladolid, Spain, has a lot of detailed information on military contract Bf 108s - he is a noted expert on Spanish aviation. I will ask his help too.
Thanks also for your input, Phil, regarding the mention in the title Combat Aircraft of World War Two - I have this book myself, but my memory is a bit treacherous sometimes. However, and in what concerns general works, their quality notwithstanding, one must always be cautious.
Best regards,
Rui Aballe
 
Posted By: David_Aiken <David_Aiken@hotmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, 18 October 2000, at 6:49 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Messerschmitt Bf 108s in Japan (Phil)
 
Hi Clint, et al,
The single Bf-108 was civilian. Of interest, it was fitted with an auxiliary fuel tank that replaced the rear seat.
Cheers,
David Aiken
 
Posted By: John MacGregor <JohnMacG6@hotmail.com>
Date: Saturday, 21 October 2000, at 4:54 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: single Bf 108 in Japan (David_Aiken)
 
At least one Bf108 was used in Manchuria by the puppet Empire's "civilian" airline. There is a photo. I think light grey overall, a large black code on the fuselage, something like M-58. Probably roundels on the wings, like the Ju86 airliners. I'll check this out when I can, but it will be a few weeks. 
 
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