Messerschmitt manufacturing Regensburg Germany
Regensburg has a long history and was an important centre in Roman times – as Castra Regina it had been a major Roman provincial capital and base of the Third Legion. For 2000 years it has been a centre of civilisation and culture becoming the first capital of Bavaria after the collapse of Roman rule and the most important city in Southern Germany. In 1936, huge areas of open farmland adjacent to the local racecourse were bought from the Prince of Thurnund Taxis. A model factory estate was built with multi-storey office block, wide roads, and dispersed workshops separated from each other by lawns and trees. Apprenticeships at the new plant were much sought after by the boys of Regensburg and the surrounding villages and these went on to form the nucleus of the post-war car and engineering factory. Facilities were among the best in Germany with canteens, showers, changing rooms, social clubs, sports fields and a swimming pool.
Wartime photo of BF109 final test area adjacent to the production hall.
From 1936 to 1938 the Messerschmitt Aircraft factory was developed as a daughter facility to Messerschmitt A.G. in Augsburg that still exists today as a division of Airbus Industrie. The Regensburg plant built the commercial aircraft widely known as the “Taifun” (or ME108) under the direction of Company chief Prof.Ing. Willi Messerschmitt.
When the Second World War came the BF109 fighter plane and later the jet powered ME262 were built in Regensburg. As an important strategic target, it was not surprising that the US 8th Air Force launched a major attack on 17th August, 1943 with a simultaneous attack on the ball bearing plants in Schweinfurt (across the road from the Sachs engine factory).
From 1936 to 1938 the Messerschmitt Aircraft factory was developed as a daughter facility to Messerschmitt A.G. in Augsburg that still exists today as a division of Airbus Industrie. The Regensburg plant built the commercial aircraft widely known as the “Taifun” (or ME108) under the direction of Company chief Prof.Ing. Willi Messerschmitt.
When the Second World War came the BF109 fighter plane and later the jet powered ME262 were built in Regensburg. As an important strategic target, it was not surprising that the US 8th Air Force launched a major attack on 17th August, 1943 with a simultaneous attack on the ball bearing plants in Schweinfurt (across the road from the Sachs engine factory).
Messerschmitt comes to England
First aircraft delivery of Messerschmitts to the U.K. - Two consignments arrived on 29th November 1958. The first 6 came in the other DC3 in the background. Second six in the pictured DC3 with ground staff moving them away. Reason for air shipment was exceptional demand from the Motor Show earlier in the month. These 12 avoided the usual UK supplied wheels and batteries that was a tax avoidance measure.
First aircraft delivery of Messerschmitts to the U.K. - Two consignments arrived on 29th November 1958. The first 6 came in the other DC3 in the background. Second six in the pictured DC3 with ground staff moving them away. Reason for air shipment was exceptional demand from the Motor Show earlier in the month. These 12 avoided the usual UK supplied wheels and batteries that was a tax avoidance measure.
Messerschmitt Clubs
Useful links
Messerschmitt kabinenroller facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/42377616533/
Messerschmitt Owners' Club www.messerschmitt.co.uk/
Suspension rubbers, floor mats and much more schmittparts.co.uk/
Messerschmitt interior sets email Nick Poll [email protected]
Messerschmitt Owners' Club www.messerschmitt.co.uk/
Suspension rubbers, floor mats and much more schmittparts.co.uk/
Messerschmitt interior sets email Nick Poll [email protected]