Markings on Luftwaffe Airfield Stendal 1944

[blythsco]

Hello All

I am new to the forum but figured this would probably be the right place to get an answer to a (probably) very simple question. What is the significance of the letter markings on this photo? It appears to be "FDb". There is also what appears to be a crucifix shape marking on the lower left of the airfield and am curious as to what that signifies. The photo is best viewed in large or original size.

Stendal Airfield Germany August 6, 1944 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24554019@N06/3161092029/in/set-72157609636214338/)

Thanks

Scott

[smallonions]

The crucifix looks like it is the landing T you would find in a signals square indicating direction of landing runway based on wind direction. What makes it look like a crucifix is possibly a symbol (usually a circle) indicating multiple direction of landing/take offs.

As for lettering...sorry no idea.

[atb1943]

Hi Scott,

Very interesting photos there!

FDb could have indicated Flight Operations Office(r) or Flugdienstberater (see here Abkürzungen/Luftfahrt/E?K ? Wikipedia (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abk%C3%BCrzungen/Luftfahrt/E%E2%80%93K#FD)-)

Hope this helps.

brgds
Alan

[blythsco]

Thanks Alan and Smallonion. According to one of my contacts it should be read as FD6 which is the map quadrant of a German Gradnetz-map system. I have a number of aerial photos of Luftwaffe airfields and this is the only one which has the Gradnetz-map system quadrants indicated. I am guessing that they had them early on when things were going well and then with the Allied strategic bombing successes it was probably not considered good form.

All the best

Scott