Spitfire by Rolf Arne Berg - Norway.

Spitfire - Norway 

Special aircraft for Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Arne Berg.

The problem of foreign labeling

This article focuses on one of the most unusual markings encountered on the European front at the end of World War II, Spitfire LF Mk. PV181.

Berg's career was closely linked to the 331st (Norwegian) Squadron, to which he had been assigned since July 1941. He personally shot down six (according to some sources, 5.5) enemy aircraft. In the period leading up to the invasion of Europe, Berg assumed command of the 132nd (Norwegian) Squadron.

The Norwegian 132nd Wing participated in the Normandy landings as part of the 2nd Task Force and in August 1944 moved to Caen, France; from September, the Norwegian squadron took part in the liberation of the Netherlands and participated in the crossing of the Rhine River. During this period, Berg continued to fly operational missions in addition to his command responsibilities. It is rumored that he even flew more missions than anyone else in the 2nd Air Army!

Berg's special aircraft was the PV 181, Spitfire LF Mk. Built in Castle Bromwich and delivered to 33 Maintenance Squadron on 5 September 1944, it was officially transferred to 66 Squadron on 5 October 1944, but was selected as Berg's personal aircraft upon delivery, and therefore was not used in the squadron. It was never used by the squadron.

As squadron leader, Berg was entitled to his aircraft's personal identification. Indeed, in accordance with the RAF's usual practice, his own initials were used instead of the normal squadron code. But Berg wanted more, and so he broke the rules. The morale of the Norwegian contingent and their desire to fly again under the Norwegian colors surely played a role in the decision to apply the national RNoAF marking to the wings and handlebars of the Spitfire.

It is unclear when this change was made. It was probably made in the autumn of 1944, when the D-day bands on the wings were removed. The pre-war markings of the Norwegian Air Force included the national flag's stripes on the wings and rudder. They were applied to PV 181, and the corresponding Luftwaffe circles and aileron flares were removed.

Her Spitfire was previously fitted with a band on the propeller in the same Norwegian colors as was customary in No 331 Squadron at the time.