Watch the UK’s Restored Rare Messerschmitt Bf-109 E4 “Rote 12” Perform Airshow Demos

A Fighter from the Eastern Front

A restored Messerschmitt Bf‑109 E4, known as “Rote 12,” made a stunning return to flight at Lachen‑Speyerdorf, showing off its 1939 design to aviation fans today. Built in 1939 with Werk Nr 1983, this rare Bf‑109 E4 served on the Eastern Front with the 5. Staffel of JG 5. It was shot down near Murmansk on 24 January 1942. After lying in Russia for decades, the wreckage was recovered in 1993. Collector Eberhard Thiesen led efforts to restore it to its former glory.

Precision Restoration

The heart of this restoration is the Daimler‑Benz DB 601N engine, overhauled by Dirk Bende. This version raises compression and increases power to 1,175 hp—75 hp more than the earlier DB 601A . Such careful attention to detail makes this engine rare and historically accurate.

At Lachen‑Speyerdorf airfield, Charlie Brown—a noted warbird pilot—took the controls of “Rote 12.” Visitors saw engine start-ups, take-offs, flying runs, landings, and detailed ground inspections. All maneuvers honored the aircraft’s era and engineering
This Bf‑109 E4 is the only airworthy variant in the world, making it a significant piece of living history. Its return to flight marks more than restoration—it is a return of a rare German fighter to public view after decades of silence.

Human Connection to History

Seeing “Rote 12” take flight allows us to remember those who designed, built, and flew similar planes during wartime. Keeping such aircraft flying helps us understand the skills and challenges of those early pilots.

Visitors to Lachen‑Speyerdorf witnessed precision engineering and historical commitment firsthand. This event proved that with dedication and respect, a single restored fighter can bring stories of the past into the present.

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