The last photograph of Do 335 No 1, standing next to an old Potez 631 at Bretigny in early 1949.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943Potez Potez 63 - ФранцияFrance - 1936

Do 335 “No 2” (Werknr 240313), the two-seat M17 prototype of the night-fighter B-6 variant, in French colours.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

A rare photograph taken at Bretigny of the Do 335 No 2 (ex-M17) making a very low high-speed pass by the control tower in October 1947.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

This view of No 2, beyond Languedoc No 30, shows the Do 335 two-seater’s twin canopies - the radar operator’s being far smaller than the pilot’s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bloch MB.160 Languedoc - ФранцияFrance - 1937Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

This unique photograph, looking under the wing of the SNCAC NC 3021, is the only known view of the two French Do 335s, No 1 and No 2, together at Bretigny in 1947.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943SNCAC NC.3021 Belphegor - ФранцияFrance - 1946

Following its return to the air on April 2, 1947, after a two-year rebuild, the French and German teams gather round two-seater Dornier Do 335 No 2 (M17 Werknr 240313) to drink a toast.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

Do 335 No 2 under maintenance at Bretigny after a flight by Roger Receveau in October 1948. Note the white “2” on the dorsal rudder. In 1948 the French flag disappeared from the dorsal fin.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

Roger Receveau in the cockpit, looking out at Mengen airfield for the last time. In the radar operator’s seat behind him, although slumped out of sight, is a roebuck shot that morning, a good lunch for the Mess at Bretigny!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

Capitaine Roger Receveau after a flight in Do 335 No 1 (M14 Werknr 230014). Note the huge wing-mounted MK103 30mm cannon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

A close-up of the pilot’s cockpit of Do 335 No 2. The Revi EZ 42 gunsight has been replaced by a French SFOM sight, and some of the instruments have been changed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

Never previously published outside France, this picture shows the radar operator’s cockpit of No 2, ex-M17. The German radar equipment has been removed, leaving only the spartan seat, the oxygen economiser and some instruments, plus the French oxygen bottle and flight-recorder box.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

This does not show No 2 after another accident, but rather the aircraft’s final fate in December 1948, when no spare was available for the damaged ventral fin and rudder. It was dragged to a remote corner of Bretigny airfield and left to rot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

The November 25 accident resulted in a broken ventral fin and rudder. Notice, on the French flag, the name “DO-335 No 2” in black.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943

Do 335 No 2’s last accident, which happened while Receveau and Lambert were taxying the aircraft on November 25, 1948. The khaki paint is now very worn after two years spent outdoors.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.335 Pfeil - ГерманияGermany - 1943