The Fokker G.1A

After years of neglect of the Dutch army in the late 1920s and early 1930s, a period of renewal followed.

Government and business are investing in promising projects.

The same applies to the Dutch Army, Navy and Air Force.

Fokker focuses on designing monoplane fighter aircraft, modern bombers and floatplanes.

And as a special bonus, the construction of a versatile and large fighter aircraft with the task of a heavily armed reconnaissance/fighter and light bomber.

That will then be the G.1 fighter cruiser with a lot of firepower fore and aft and even from below.

A very important practical feature becomes an uninterrupted stay in the air of four hours.

After much deliberation, the Aviation Department decided to purchase no fewer than 36 of them.

The introduction of Mobilization for the entire Army and Navy at the end of August 1939 further increased the pressure.

Due to international developments, time is running out and that casts its shadow before us.

There is little time left to iron out the inevitable teething problems.

So minor and major accidents do occur.

Good armament and engines also become a major concern.

Bringing aircraft into the hangar for repairs is a regular occurrence.

The LVA therefore decided to ask Fokker mechanics and other specialists for assistance.

That works quite well, but it requires an accelerated learning process to operate this yacht cruiser.

LVA has chosen to place some of its G.1 aircraft at Waalhaven-Rotterdam.

A brand new airport in Bergen (NH) has been built with great success.

Flights take place at Welschap-Eindhoven, Waalhaven-Rotterdam and Schiphol-Amsterdam.

At the permanent G.1 airfields of Waalhaven and Bergen, everything was done to be ready by the end of 1939 and the beginning of 1940.

Incidentally, with the help of Fokker TV, the D.XXI, the CX and the Douglas 8A.

And the fact that devices from around 1924 to 1930 also play a role has proven to be an expensive cutback.

In the early morning around 4 to 5 am on May 10, 1940, neutrality became a fairy tale.

The German Luftwaffe enters into battle and soon gains the upper hand in both quality and quantity.

Data from the G1A:

Wingspan 17.15 m
Length 11.55 m
Height 3.40 to 3.65 m.
Wing area 38.3 m2
Empty weight 3360 kg
Flying weight 4800 kg
Max speed 475 km/h
Cruising speed 400 km/h.
Ceiling 9,600 m(!)
Flight range 1,416 km.(!)

Click on the photo to enlarge the photo

To the videos of the G.1

01

After the initial designs in 1934 and the presentation in Paris in 1936, the first flight took place in March 1937. This flight took place at Welschap-Eindhoven airfield. The G.1A was flown by Fokker pilot Emil Meinecke. On October 22, 1937, the LVA ordered no fewer than 36 G.1 aircraft of the type G.1A. This photo shows LVA 301, where, due to the haste, the painter apparently only managed to get past 30. The dimensions were somewhat larger than the prototype, so this became the A version. The prototype would be known as the (smaller) G.1 B.
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02

The same 30(1) on its way to a higher altitude. Later, a G.1A will climb to 8,000 m in 15.8 minutes.
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03

The 301 makes a steep dive that will yield a considerable speed. During the construction of the 36 LVA aircraft, it reaches 640 km/h on one occasion.
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04

Here the 301 makes a nice bend to the left.
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05

A beautiful view from above also provides a view of the hull cladding, which is partly made of plexiglass.
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06

Due to its slightly larger dimensions, this G.1A could accommodate not only two but also three crew members. So, in addition to the pilot and observer/tail gunner, a radio operator also flew as a third crew member. The fuel tank was then moved forward in the fuselage. After several modifications requested by the LVA, series production began in early July 1939.
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07

This is perhaps the most famous postcard from the late 1930s. The tail booms on the A-type aircraft are slightly longer than on the B-type, and the landing gear is also slightly higher than on the B-type aircraft. The registrations with the LVA Aviation Department are 301 through 336.
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08

On the ground, the nose becomes more visible, as does what's underneath. No fewer than eight FN Browning 7.9mm machine guns are mounted. On the B model, that increases to two machine guns in the front and one in the back. The two tail surfaces are painted in the familiar red, white, and blue.
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09

The G.1 A 301 is photographed from the rear. Therefore, the position of the rear turret for the movable machine gun is now clearly visible. This gives the fighter cruiser's design a robust impression. There's also no shortage of interest from Fokker and LVA personnel. It's quite possible that the people in dark uniforms are foreign guests.
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10

Here, and in the next photo, a nice display of five LVA G.1A fighter cruisers. These are the 301, the first delivered, and the 314-313-315 and 307 at Schiphol. The larger size of this G.1A is due to the larger engines being installed. LVA opted for the 830 hp Bristol Mercury VIII, instead of the 750 hp Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasps of the prototype. This latter option is also a smart move, because not only the G.1A, but also the D.XXI fighter will be equipped with them. On the left are two KLM DC-3 aircraft, PH-AST Tapuit and PH-ASL Lepelaar.
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11

The same arrangement as photo 10 but from a different angle, also at Schiphol Amsterdam and taken in 1938. The 301 is one of the fighter cruisers that was already destroyed on the ground by the Luftwaffe on May 10, 1940. It is then in the infamous 12-aircraft formation at Bergen Airport.
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11.1

A nice aerial view of the three possible crew positions for the LVA G.1A. From left to right: 1. The pilot's position, which also operated the eight fixed machine guns. 2. The radio operator/observer, who could also drop the bomb load. 3. The tail gunner of the movable machine gun in the transparent rear turret. In practice, the crew consisted of two people: the pilot and the tail gunner. This left more usable weight for ammunition and fuel.
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12

A very curious photo. Is this a repair, or is it a new build? The orange triangles are already on this wing-center fuselage assembly. The top (pictured) is the rear, the bottom (pictured) is the front. The flat side being held is the top. The engine nacelles are located at the bottom. Where this is taking place is also rather unclear: Amsterdam-Noord? Bergen? Or Schiphol-Oost? Besides Fokker employees, there is quite a bit of interest from the LVA (Dutch Air Force). This photo was taken in the second half of 1939.
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13

In the snow of 1939, a G.1 assembly with the engine stopped and dive brakes. It's unclear whether all G.1 fighter cruisers received this equipment. A top speed during dive tests was then 640 km/h.
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14

At least one G.1 will also get a floor dome. It's on this 304, but that's it, and the nickname will remain "the BATHTUB G.1."
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15

The 301st in action one last time without the tailplane painted in Dutch colors. Armament: Eight fixed 7.9mm FN Browning machine guns in the nose turret. A movable 7.9mm FN Browning machine gun in the tail turret. And 8 x 50kg bombs, totaling 400kg.
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16

These technicians and mechanics are attached to the 4th JaVa, the 4th Fighter Squadron of the LVA. Standing in front of a G.1A at Bergen Airfield are, from left to right, A. De Lange (chief), Steen, Boer, Wybert Lindeman, Welman, and J. Hansing. We will discuss the LVA's division into regiments and groups later.
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17

Fokker pilot Gerben Sonderman boards the 302 of the LVA, the predecessor of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. It's striking that, like a famous predecessor, Jonkheer Sandberg, he's wearing a white flying canopy. Under his seat is the parachute, just in case.
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18

The 302 LVA aircraft delivered in 1938. The Dutch tricolor is still missing from the tailplanes. The pilot's sight still needs to be installed in front of the cockpit.
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19

The same 302 with the two integrated wing lights clearly visible. This aircraft is one of the first four G.1 fighter cruisers delivered. After that, the large production run came out of the Fokker factories at a rapid pace. Only the 301 remained partly at LVA and partly at Fokker for some time to complete aspects such as armament and other components.
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20

The G.1 A, registration number 302, is still undergoing its introductory period from the Fokker hangars. This will, in most cases, take place at Schiphol Airport. Afterward, the aircraft will be transferred to Waalhaven-Rotterdam Airport. At LVA, it will become part of the 3rd JaVA Fighter Aircraft Division.
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21

This is a nice view of the left front of an LVA G.1 A. Especially because of the sharp image of the nose turret with its eight holes for the 7.9 mm machine guns.
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22

One of the first descendants of the G1 prototype. The G.1A, of which LVA is purchasing no fewer than 36. In this photo, the eight nose machine guns are being inspected. The sergeant on the right has no problem doing so in his first grey uniform.
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23

The machine gun armament is being calibrated, presumably at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. As in the previous photo, 1st Lt-Vl Corstiaan De Wijs is involved. He is seen from above in the previous photo, and from the right in this one.
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24

In 1939, the country designations changed from red, white, and blue to orange with a black band. The 302nd was assigned to the 3rd JaVA of the LVA. The permanent base for that unit became Waalhaven-Rotterdam airfield. Exceptionally, it wasn't a 100% military airfield. From the looks of it, nothing is happening in this photo yet. After all, the Netherlands is still neutral.
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25

The 302 of the LVA also belongs to the 3rd JaVA and will take off with the 11 G.1 As on May 10, 1940. Mechanics Strik and Fluit prepare everything in the G.1 for departure. Sgt.Vl. Sipkes is the pilot and is ready for takeoff, but the very early arrival of the German Heinkels puts an ugly stop to it. The fighter cruiser ends up strangely upside down due to the bombardment. Also strange in this context are the skid marks on the left side and the broken tail booms. In any case, the 302 is one of the three aircraft that remains grounded. Eight G.1 As manage to take off amid the onslaught of bombing.
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26

The rear section of LVA's 302 has now been pulled to the ground. The devastation of the May 10, 1940, bombing of Waalhaven-Rotterdam is now becoming fully visible. The fighter cruiser is still easily recognizable by the 2 and orange triangle on the wing and tail boom.
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27

A German soldier forced to play pilot in the cockpit of a G.1. It all feels rather clumsy. Just four days later, the German Luftwaffe would reduce Rotterdam's entire city center to ashes.
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28

A photo taken at Soesterberg airfield. While this is the LVA's main airfield, the G.1's home bases would be Waalhaven and Bergen.
The battle from Waalhaven airport.
29

A remarkable photo taken at Bergen Airport. The G.1A is probably the 304 of the LVA Aviation Department. On the right are the S.IIA Ambulance dating from 1922 and the Fokker CV-D 652 from 1925. The latter is a sling tug* for aerial gunnery exercises. So there are quite a few antiques in front of the hangar. The snowy weather conditions are from late 1939. * A sling tug is a towing aircraft that tows a target behind it.
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29.1

A shot of the 304th at a wet Bergen Airfield (North Holland). Next to it is another G.1A, its front plating temporarily removed. With a sharp view, the eight machine guns are clearly visible. Both fighter cruisers are already equipped with their mobilization markings: orange triangles and an orange tail.
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30

The same 304 amidst snow and rain, late 1939. The orange markings are already visible on the tailplanes. The photo was taken at the brand-new Bergen Airport (North Holland). The right engine is already running, the left one is about to be started. The G.1 didn't yet have electric starters.
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31

Photo of the 306 during the mobilization period around September October 1939. (Photo PJ Lok, Eerbeek) On January 6, 1940, 1st Ltn.Vl. O. Thate takes off in the afternoon with a Fokker D.XXI number 234 from Soesterberg in a westerly direction. Shortly after 12.00 hrs, Fokker G.1 number 306 takes off from Bergen, flown by 2nd Ltn.Vl. Antonie Van Ulsen and tail gunner Sgt.Wnr. Pieter Lok.
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32

The G.1 A 307 in full flight. It has an orange triangle, so it would have been around the last quarter of 1939. Or perhaps early 1940, but there are no records. The 307 is not listed in the loss register. Three things are certain: it was delivered, it was able to fly, and it didn't survive the German invasion.
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32.1

An emergency landing at Soesterberg Airfield with some of the many hangars in the background. This is a shot of the 307 on August 26, 1939, flown by Bodo Sandberg.
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33

The LVA Fighter Cruiser G.1 308 of the 4th Javanese is still standing here in all its glory during the mobilization period, late 1939-1940. Despite the tragedy of May 10, 1940, this aircraft remained active until May 14, 1940. The new Bergen airfield still looks pristine and also has a fair amount of transport equipment. The neatly lined-up military array of the vehicle fleet is striking.
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The battle from Waalhaven airport

At WAALHAVEN airfield at 2:30 a.m. on May 10, 1940, a group of 11 G.1 fighter cruisers stood ready with their engines running.

At 4:00 a.m., after the Heinkel 111s approached, Commander Res. Captain H.J. Scholtmeijer gave the order to attack.

The crews in the G.1's certainly do not need to be motivated.

The hangars and other buildings at the airport, the Koolhoven factory and the apron will be extensively renovated.

These are the same aircraft that will reduce Rotterdam's city centre to ashes on May 14, 1940.

Three of the eleven G.1s of the 3rd JaVA Fighter Aircraft Section of the LVA proved unable to take to the air in time.

The other 8 fighter cruisers advance towards the Germans and engage in battle.

The 312, flown by Lt. Pilot P. Noomen and gunner Corporal H. De Vries, is the first to approach the Heinkels.

Two German aircraft are shot down.

After the right engine was badly damaged, he returned to Waalhaven.

The 312 and its crew were subsequently eliminated from further participation.

The 309 flown by First Lieutenant J. Kuijpers and tail gunner Sgt. J. Venema shot down two Heinkels and damaged a third.

They just reach Waalhaven, but are not given a replacement plane.

Fokker pilot 2nd Lt. Gen. Gerben Sonderman and tail gunner Sgt. H. Holwerda take out two German fighters and a Ju-52.

Due to fuel and ammunition shortages, the 311 will divert to the beach at Oostvoorne.

The 328, flown by Sgt.Vl. H. Souffree and air gunner Sgt. J. de Man, knocks out a fighter and a Ju 52.

The shortage of fuel and ammunition also forces the fighter cruiser to fly to Oostvoorne.

The 329, flown by Lieutenant-General K. Woudenberg and gunner Sgt. J. Pouw, diverted to Haamstede airfield after several attacks.

On the way they discovered some other G.1 aircraft on the beach of Oostvoorne.

All are practically out of fuel and ammunition.

After putting up some makeshift camouflage, they wait for supplies.

A Fokker CV 618 flown by Wachtm.Vl. J. Wildschut takes as much of the aircraft as possible from Haamstede in the second cockpit.

Finally, on May 13, the Germans discovered the aircraft and bombed them.

The 303, flown by Lt. A. van Oorschot and tail gunner Sgt. Wesley, was slightly damaged but returned to Waalhaven.

From there, the fighter cruiser will travel via De Kooij to Bergen, where repairs will be carried out and it will be incorporated into the 4th JaVA Fighter Aircraft Department.

The 319, commanded by 2nd Ltn. Vl. J. Van der Jagt, flies towards Vlaardingen without an air gunner. The air gunner, Sgt. S. de Vos, has already been killed during the bombardment.

In Vlaardingen, the 319 crashes. Van der Jagt is also killed.

The 330 flown by Sgt-Maj.Vl. J. Buwalda and air gunner J. Wagner shot down two bombers.

Bf 109 aircraft then cause too much damage and an emergency landing follows near Zevenbergen.

Of the 8 G.1 fighter cruisers that took off, only one ultimately survived and landed at Bergen airfield.

33

On October 18, 1939, LVA's 314 rolled over while landing at Bergen Airfield. Fokker's high delivery speed had its advantages, but it also affected the pilots' instruction time. The pilot was Lieutenant-Colonel J. Thijssen, and the gunner/observer Sgt. Wager. It looks like it just happened, as the LVA pilots are walking away. Also striking are the mounds of soil used to complete the airfield and aprons.
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34

The somewhat loose polder soil is clearly visible, making landing a bit more challenging. A runway is still missing at the new airfield. The lighter Fokker CX can handle it, but the Fokker G.1 is a much heavier aircraft, weighing around 4,800 kg.
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35

The somewhat loose polder soil is clearly visible, making landing somewhat more difficult. A runway is still missing at the new airfield. The lighter Fokker CX can manage on it, but the Fokker G.1 is a much heavier aircraft, weighing around 4,800 kg. Photo 35: The 314 of the 4th JaVA in its uncomfortable position. Some members of the 4th JaVA at Bergen also cited "the elevator not being released" as the cause. Fighter cruiser 314 is not listed as combat-ready aircraft on May 10, 1940.
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36

The LVA 319 is assigned here to the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven. On the nose is a duck with a tight scarf around its neck. This may be due to the engines being capable of going faster but not allowed to. In the background is the enormous Main Hangar A. In front of the nose is a group of LVA airmen. The photo was taken during the mobilization period at the end of 1939. In May 1940, the 319 was among the aircraft still able to take off. Gunner Sgt. S. de Vos had already been killed at the airfield. Pilot Van der Jagt therefore took off alone. He also died on May 10, 1940, when the aircraft was shot down near Vlaardingen.
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37

The Fokker G.1, the 325 at Bergen Airfield. The poor condition of the grassland surrounding the concrete platforms is clearly visible. The familiar cockpit scope is also clearly visible. This is crucial for the eight machine guns in the nose turret. This 325 was not destroyed at Schiphol Airfield until May 14, 1940. The LVA GI A 323 was also being repaired at the Fokker factory in Amsterdam-Noord (no photo available). On May 17, 1940, this included the LVA 323, c/n 5544. It had two Bristol Mercury engines, numbered 41918 and 41913, and a readiness level of 40%. See the repair list below the next photo.
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38

Lined up at Bergen airfield are the G.1 fighter cruisers 326 and 327. And possibly from De Kooij airfield is the Fokker D.XXI 225. Unfortunately, not much is known about the two fighter cruisers. The most likely conclusion is that they ended up at Ockenburg reserve airfield, south of The Hague. In that case, they may even have fallen into German hands. Report up to May 17, 1940, from the Fokker factory in Amsterdam-Noord by LVA Captain Kruijff Van Dorssen. Regarding the 327: c/n 5548 with two Bristol Mercury engines, 41835 and 41927. The repairs were almost completed to 90% on May 17, 1940. See repair list.
Repair list
38.01

This photo gives a good impression of the gunner's position in the tail of the G.1A. Not comfortable, but very effective.
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38.1

The 328 of the LVA, ready for departure and now with the orange triangle on the fuselage and wings.
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38.2

In what we now call the brilliant LAYOUT of the instrument panel, Fokker was once again moving with the times.
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39

This is a remarkable photo of a G.1, the 329, delivered to the LVA 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven airfield in early 1939. It is one of the fighter cruisers forced to take off in the middle of a German bombardment on May 10, 1940. The 329 is flown by Second Lieutenant Commander K. Woudenberg with Sgt. J. Pouw as gunner. After several actions, returning to Waalhaven is no longer possible. Due to a lack of ammunition and fuel, they are diverted to the beach at Oost Voorne. On May 13, 1940, the Germans discover this G.1 and a few others with the same problem. The fighter cruiser is then finally destroyed. In this photo, the prototype of the Fokker T.IX can be seen in the upper left corner. Second Lieutenant Commander H. Leegstra of the LVA is conducting the first test flight on September 11, 1939.
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39.1

Still from an animated film by Wiek Luijken. Flying over a small river not far from Zevenbergen, in combat with two Luftwaffe aircraft. These were two Bf. 109s shot down by the LVA 330. The pilot was Sgt. Maj./Vlg. J. Buwalda and Gunner J. Wager.
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39.2

Another animated shot by Wiek Luijten of the 330th. This time over land near Zevenbergen, south of Moerdijk. After the German aircraft were destroyed, the 330th was shot down.
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39.3

The G-1 330 was so badly damaged by Bf-109s during a dogfight south of the Hollands Diep that an emergency landing was necessary near Zevenbergen. Pilot Sergeant Major Buwalda had previously achieved a certain and probable aerial victory. Together with his gunner Wagener, who had been wounded in the face, the SM, taking with it the rear machine gun with its cartridge belt, managed to recross the Hollands Diep and the Oude Maas within a few hours, and with 4 Bt LuA, participated prominently in the battle on the island of IJsselmonde.
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39.4

G-1 330 near Zevenbergen. The G-1 330 was so badly damaged by Bf-109s during a dogfight south of the Hollands Diep that an emergency landing was necessary near Zevenbergen. Pilot Sergeant Major Buwalda had previously achieved a certain and probable aerial victory. Together with his gunner Wagener, who had been wounded in the face, the SM, taking with it the rear machine gun with its cartridge belt, managed to recross the Hollands Diep and the Oude Maas within a few hours, and with 4 Bt LuA, participated prominently in the battle on the island of IJsselmonde.
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40

Here is the completely destroyed Fokker G.1, 331 of the 4th Java. It's remarkable that the Fokker logo and type designation are still clearly visible on the tailplane. The 331 is also among the twelve aircraft on the platform on May 10, 1940.
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42

The 333 of LVA just before the German Luftwaffe attack on May 10, 1940.
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41

The same 333 after the German raid in the very early morning of May 10, 1940. On the left, the front section with engines and wings. On the right, the tail booms and tail section. The aircraft is completely destroyed and lies in front of hangar 6 in Bergen.
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43

On May 13, 1940, Pilot 2nd Ltn.Vl. A. van Ulsen and tail gunner Sgt. K. Vermaat flew G.1A 321 between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. for escort and attack duties. G.1A fighter cruisers 322 and 308 also saw action one last time. This photo shows G.1A 321, taken on May 14, 1940, near Bergen airfield, partly in the Middentocht near Hoeverweg. Apparently, several LVA personnel tried to render G.1A 321 unusable after a poor landing. It is highly likely that these G.1A fighter cruisers ultimately fell into German hands. (Photo H. Nauta, Schoorl)
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44

And this is what remains of a completely destroyed Fokker G.1. The Fokker logo is even still visible on the tailplane. This photo was taken at Waalhaven Airport in Rotterdam. The 3rd JaVA was based there in May 1940.
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45

What's in front and what's behind, and what's left or right? It's already difficult to determine the orientation of the fuselage and landing gear. This photo was probably taken in Bergen. The presence of emergency lighting is particularly noteworthy. Why?
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46

Many parts of the 301 may be lying here, including the tail boom, fuselage, and plexiglass roof. Also, one of the engines and the nose machine gun turret are also present. In that case, this fighter cruiser was destroyed at the start of the German bombardment of Bergen. This happened on May 10, 1940.
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47

At the aforementioned Hoeverweg, next to Bergen Airport, several aircraft are also parked. Among them is the 318, which is provisionally camouflaged with branches and fishing nets. The Army soldiers, along with technicians and mechanics from the LVA (Dutch Air Force) and KLM, run away from the approaching German aircraft. These KLM mechanics were stationed at several airfields in those days because of the relatively new G1. Sergeant W. Heeres, second from the right, is in charge here. Fourth from the right is a soldier without a field cap or helmet. He holds the helmet in his left hand. The white cloth hanging over his belt is not reassuring. It is certainly not intended as a cleaning rag. . . . (Photo P. Lok, Eerbeek)
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48

The same scene, but closer up, makes everything even clearer. The soldier on the left still holds that white cloth. . . . His pace is briefly halted, and at the front, Sergeant W. Heeres looks back. The G1 318 is now a bit further away. It will appear later on May 13, 1940, for escort and assault duties. And then Sergeant W. Heeres goes along as an air gunner. We call that multi-purpose now. He is flown by 2nd Lt.Vl. F. Peetoom. Photos 47 and 48 were taken by Sergeant P. Lok. (Photo P. Lok, Eerbeek)
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49

A badly damaged G.1A of the 3rd JaVA of the LVA after the Dutch capitulation. The war has already ended at and around Waalhaven Airport in Rotterdam. German soldiers in possession of (probably stolen) bicycles survey the situation.
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50

A nearly jubilant German Gefreiter (a German soldier) in the wrecked cockpit of a G.1 fighter cruiser. This is also a G.1 A of the third JaVA of the LVA, at Waalhaven Airport in Rotterdam.
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Overview Fokker G1A

In the overview below we have listed the most important achievements of the G1 from various sources.
We would of course be happy to receive additions or corrections.
Sources often contradict themselves or state different 'facts'.

Register.	Construction-no.	The story of this plane
300	5521	The aircraft was delivered to LVA in December 1939. This was the last G.1A delivered to LVA. The registration number was actually reserved first. After the capitulation on May 14, 1940, it was captured by the Germans at Bergen Air Park. It was reportedly sighted at Maldeghem airfield (Belgium) as ?? 93. Other sources report its destruction after May 14, 1940.
301	5522	Delivered to LVA on July 27, 1939, at Bergen Air Park. It was the first production aircraft delivered to LVA. Used in 1939 for test flights for Denmark and Sweden by pilot Gerben Sonderman. In service with the 4th JaVA in Bergen, it was severely damaged there as early as May 10, 1940. The initial damage was repaired on May 11. Whether it fell into German hands is uncertain.
302	5523	Delivered to the LVA in September 1940 at Waalhaven Airfield in Rotterdam. This G.1A was used briefly for demonstrations in Brussels. It was fitted with dive brakes for a trial run. On May 10, 1940, the 302 was assigned to the 3rd JaVA and was damaged by a German bombing raid. The pilot was LVA Sgt.Vl. Sipkes, with mechanics/gunners Strik and Fluit flying alongside. The fate of this former 302 is uncertain.
303	5524	This aircraft was delivered to the LVA in July 1939 for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven airfield in Rotterdam. On May 10, 1940, around 11:00 a.m., the 303 departed Waalhaven and flew via Schiphol and later De Kooij airfield to Bergen. There, the 303 underwent further repairs from the bombing and other damage sustained at Waalhaven. Many crews flew the 303, such as pilot Schoute and air gunner Lok, and later pilot A. van Oorschot and air gunner W. Wesley. Other crews included pilot K. Parmentier, pilot Dill and air gunner Van den Breemer, pilot Hartkoren, and tail gunner Heeres. On May 14, 1940, the 303 burned to the ground along the Amsterdam-The Hague highway near Schiphol.
304	5525	This G1 was delivered to the LVA on July 8, 1939, for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Base. Initially, the 304 was equipped with an additional plexiglass reconnaissance dome under the fuselage. In August 1939, it was used as a strategic reconnaissance aircraft. After several test flights, the dome was removed. Its nickname is almost inevitable: the BATHTUB G.1. The 304 played a rather unusual role during the German Luftwaffe raid on May 10, 1940. The crew, with pilot Thate and tail gunner Coene, left the aircraft unmanned on the apron. Work on it continued on May 11, 1940, but it apparently was not flown again.
305	5526	Delivered to the LVA on July 8, 1939, for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Base. The 305 sustained heavy damage during the German raid on May 10, 1940. Due to the chaos on the departure platform, the fighter cruiser was unable to escape in time. The pilot was Sgt. Vl. A. Bosman and the tail gunner Sgt. Wnr. Coene, who were initially scheduled to depart with the 304. Another flight was reportedly made on May 11, 1940, but this is uncertain. Afterward, the 305 was permanently disabled by fire.
306	5527	This G1A was delivered to the LVA on July 11, 1939, and was destined for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Park. On January 5, 1940, the 306, flown by pilot 2nd Lt.Vl. A. van Ulsen and gunner Sgt.Wnr. P. Lok, crashed. The cause was a collision with the Fokker D.XXI 234, flown by pilot O. Thate, which was flying too close. The crew of the G.1 managed to bail out. The G.1's accident occurred around 1:30 p.m., near the Meggelsloot canal near the village of Graft (North Holland). The remains of the fighter cruiser were not officially written off—or released—until January 31, 1940. Incidentally, the D.XXI and its pilot survived the crash.
307	5528	The 307 was delivered to the LVA (Luchtvaart Adeeling) in 1939. The G.1 was assigned to the Fighter Pilot School to train all the new G.1 aircraft as quickly as possible. Therefore, the fighter cruiser was stationed at De Vlijt Airfield on Texel. An open shed was used as an additional and easily accessible hangar. On May 14, 1940, upon the surrender of Germany, the Luftwaffe seized the 307. The aircraft disappeared from the Netherlands and likely operated in Germany for quite some time.
308	5529	This aircraft was delivered to the LVA on July 13, 1939, for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Park. This G.1 was also ready for departure from a platform at Bergen and was hit by the Luftwaffe on May 10, 1940. The left engine, in particular, sustained significant damage, but that wasn't the end of it. After repairs, the 308 continued to fly numerous missions. Even until its final day, May 14, 1940, the aircraft remained active, flown by 1st Lt. Fl. A. van Oorschot and gunner Sgt. W. Wesley. Before that, 2nd Lt. Fl. B. Sandberg and gunner Sgt. J. van den Breemer flew the 308. On May 14, the 308 met its end at Schiphol Airport.
309	5530	The 309 was delivered to the LVA in July 1939 and was destined for the 3rd Java Army Air Corps at Waalhaven airfield. During the German bombardment on May 10, 1940, it was severely hit and ultimately burned. The designated crew consisted of pilot 1st Lt. Fl. J. Kuijpers and tail gunner Sgt. J. Venema.
310	5531	This aircraft was delivered to the LVA on July 19, 1939, and was destined for the 4th JaVA in Bergen. This 310 was also damaged during the German attack on Bergen Air Base on May 10, 1940. The damage was repairable, and it wasn't until May 13, 1940, that the 310 crashed near Badhoevedorp (Haarlemmermeer). The crew consisted of Airman Sgt. Vl. A. Bosman and Air Gunner Sgt. R. Coene. Both survived the crash, and the damaged aircraft may have fallen into German hands afterward(?).
311	5532	The 311 was delivered to the LVA on July 9, 1939, and was destined for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven Airfield in Rotterdam. After the first bombing of Waalhaven on May 10, 1940, and several operations, fuel and ammunition shortages developed. Pilot 2nd Lt.Vl. Gerben Sonderman and tail gunner H. Holwerda landed on the beach at Oost-Voorne. They arrived there along with the 328 and 329, which had also encountered difficulties. Because the LVA saw no way to refuel, the crews departed. It wasn't until May 13, 1940, that Luftwaffe aircraft discovered the three G.1As and set them on fire.
312	5533	Delivered to the LVA on July 21, 1939, and destined for the 3rd Java Cruiser at Waalhaven. On October 22, 1939, the fighter cruiser capsized during a mobilization exercise. The G.1 A was fully repaired. However, on May 10, 1940, the 312 returned to Waalhaven with significant damage. The fighter cruiser was reportedly decommissioned there. The pilot was 2nd Lt. Vl. P. Noomen, and the tail gunner was H. de Vries. Some sources indicate that the 312 was captured by the Luftwaffe and repaired again.
313	5534	This aircraft was delivered to the LVA on July 27, 1939, and was destined for the 4th Java Squadron at Bergen Air Park. On May 10, 1940, the fighter cruiser was in Hangar 5 at Bergen Air Park for repairs. The 313 caught fire during the first German bombing raid and was therefore written off on May 10, 1940.
314	5535	The 314 was delivered to the LVA in July 1939, intended for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven Airfield. The strange thing is that the 314 was also assigned to the 4th JaVA, thus a mystery. During mobilization, on October 18, 1939, an oil pressure problem developed in the left engine. Pilot 1st Ltn.Vl. J. Thijssen and air gunner Sgt. R. Coene rolled over. The 314 then appeared to have been in storage at Waalhaven Airfield. The fighter cruiser therefore fell into German hands after May 10, 1940. In June 1940, the 314 departed for Erprobungsstelle Rechlin, south of Rostock. This was a German testing facility established during the First World War for testing all kinds of aircraft. Later, this G.1 was used at Altenburg Airfield near Leipzig until February 1941.
315	5536	The aircraft was delivered to the LVA (Aviation Department) at Bergen Air Park on July 25, 1939. There, the fighter cruiser became part of the 4th JaVA. The 315 was flown by Pilot 1st Lt.Vl. A. van Oorschot and Gunner Sgt. W. Wesly. It was initially stationed at Waalhaven, but ultimately diverted to De Kooij due to the German bombing. From there, it went to Bergen Air Park, where it arrived in a severely damaged condition. After the capitulation on May 14, 1940, the 315 fell into German hands. By June 1940, the 315 was ready to fly again and incorporated into the German Luftwaffe.
316	5537	The 316 was delivered to the LVA at Waalhaven Airfield in November 1939 and assigned to the 3rd JaVA (Fighter Fighter Section). On May 10, 1940, the 316 was severely damaged during the German bombing of Waalhaven and was never repaired.
317	5538	This aircraft arrived at Bergen Air Park on August 18, 1939. It was assigned to the 4th Java Squadron. On May 10, 1940, the 317 was in Hangar 5 for repairs to problems with the tail wheel pressure and a strut problem. The fighter cruiser burned completely as a result of the German bombing and was therefore written off on May 10, 1940.
318	5539	The 318 was delivered to the LVA at Bergen Air Park on November 1, 1939, and assigned to the 4th JaVA. On May 10, 1940, it was behind O. Thate's stationary 304 and therefore unable to leave the platform. The damage was minor, and pilot 2nd Lt.Vl. F. Peetoom and gunner Sgt. G. Govers were quickly able to continue. On May 13, the G.1 flew an escort flight of four Fokker CX and five Fokker D.XXI aircraft together with the G.1 321. The 318 presumably met its end near Badhoevedorp. Other sources mention further damage and repair in June in Bergen, followed by its seizure by the Luftwaffe.
319	5540	The 319 was delivered to the LVA on September 2, 1939, destined for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven Airport in Rotterdam. There are two versions: the first is that the 319 burned down at Waalhaven on May 10, 1940. The second is that the 319 was not flown until May 13, 1940, by pilot 2nd Lt.Vl. vander Jagt. In that case, the fighter cruiser crashed in Zevenbergen near Vlaardingen and was abandoned.
320	5541	The 320 was delivered to the LVA at Waalhaven airfield on October 20, 1939. For some reason, it wasn't deployed from May 10, 1940. The aircraft was reportedly deregistered on May 14, 1940. The pilot was Sgt.Vl. S. De Vos. It may have been captured by the Germans after all.
321	5542	The 321 was delivered to the LVA on September 27, 1939, destined for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Park. First Lieutenant/Flemish J. Thijssen and air gunner Sgt. K. Vermaat were ready to depart from the platform at 4:00 a.m. on May 10, 1940. They were even the first to evade the German bombing raid and didn't return until 6:20 a.m. On May 13, a large escort flight followed with the 318, and the aircraft returned to Bergen heavily damaged. The pilots were Second Lieutenant/Flemish A. Van Ulsen and air gunner Sgt. K. Vermaat. The four Fokker CX and five Fokker D.XXI aircraft flown along didn't fare much better. The 321 eventually ended up in a canal next to Bergen Air Park (the Middentocht in Bergen). After the capitulation on May 14, 1940, it was repaired by Fokker and KLM personnel in June 1940.
322	5543	The 322 c/n 5543 was delivered to the LVA on September 11, 1939, for the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Park. The 322 was probably the most frequently used G.1A, flying numerous flights from May 10 to 14, 1940. As early as May 11, 1940, the 322 was flown from Bergen Air Park to Schiphol Airport due to minor damage. The crews rotated regularly throughout the day: A. van Oorschot with W. Wesley and H. Hartkoren with P. Lok, and also T. Leegstra with W. Wesley and H. Hartkoren with W. Wesley. Some even flew missions several times a day. On May 14, the 322 caught fire at Schiphol after yet another landing near Loevestein Farm.
323	5544	323 c/n 5544 was delivered to the LVA at Schiphol Airport on August 30, 1939. On April 7, 1940, the aircraft overturned and was returned from Schiphol to the factory in Amsterdam Noord. There, repairs were about halfway completed by May 10, 1940. The Germans took it over, but it is uncertain whether it was further repaired or used for parts.
324	5545	The 324 was delivered to LVA on August 24, 1939, and written off the same day. This indicates a serious accident on that delivery date, causing extensive damage. Nothing is known about repairs or any attempts at them, nor is the aircraft's location on May 10, 1940. Not even about its capture by the Germans. Not even about all the good parts. Finally, there's the possibility that one of the potential buyers actually received this aircraft, or the rest of it, due to possible license production in Spain or Scandinavia.
325	5546	The 325 was delivered to the LVA on July 28, 1939, at Waalhaven airfield with the 3rd JaVA. The G.1 departed on May 11, 1940, after the first bombing of Waalhaven, carrying Thate and Coene to Bergen. The aircraft sustained minor damage. Later, it flew from Bergen to Schiphol with pilot Leegstra and an LVA mechanic. On May 12, 1940, it departed with Sandberg and Van den Breemer to Middenmeer emergency airfield and flew two missions from there. Later that day, it flew to Schiphol and then to Soesterberg and back. On May 13, it flew with Hartkoren and Sonneveld back to Soesterberg and back to Schiphol. The 325 burned up at Schiphol near the Amsterdam-The Hague highway on May 14, 1940. An impressive flying record.
326	5547	The 326 was delivered to the LVA on September 2, 1939. We don't know of any assignment, but it was probably destroyed at Waalhaven airfield on September 10, 1940. There is also talk of a possible stationing at Ockenburg emergency airfield near The Hague and destruction there.
327	5548	The 327 was delivered to the LVA on September 8, 1939. Like the 326, it was not yet assigned to a JaVA. Initially, the 327, like the 326, was stationed at Ockenburg emergency airfield near The Hague. The G.1 soon returned to the factory in Amsterdam Noord for repairs. Damage during the initial flight may have played a role. On May 10, 1940, the 327 was almost complete and then fell into German hands. Like the 314, the Luftwaffe flew the 327 to Altenburg airfield near Leipzig. The former 327 remained active until 1941, and ultimately, only the engines were sold to Finland.
328	5549	The 328 was delivered to the LVA on September 11, 1939, for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven. The fighter cruiser was flown by Sgt.Vl. H. Souffree and air gunner Sgt.Wnr. J. De Man. The 328 quickly became involved in several missions from Waalhaven airfield on May 10, 1940, including the downing of He-111 and Me-109 aircraft. However, the 328 was unable to replenish its fuel and ammunition. The German bombing of Waalhaven further prevented the airfield from being used. The 328 was temporarily parked on the beach at Oostvoorne, along with the 329. The Luftwaffe discovered the two fighter cruisers on May 13, 1940, and immediately destroyed them.

Register.	Construction-no.	The story of this plane
329	5550	The 329 was also delivered to the LVA on September 11, 1939, for the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven. This fighter cruiser was flown by 2nd Lt.Vl. K. Woudenberg and tail gunner Sgt.Wnr. J. Pouw. The 329 was directly involved in several actions on May 10, 1940, from Waalhaven Airfield, including the destruction of Ju-52 and Ju-87 aircraft. However, the 329 also failed to replenish fuel or ammunition. The German bombing of Waalhaven prevented further use of the airfield. The 329 and 328 were parked together on the beach at Oostvoorne. Only on May 13, 1940, were both discovered and set ablaze. It was incomprehensible that they couldn't manage to refuel within three days.
330	5551	The 330 was delivered to the LVA on September 16, 1939, and assigned to the 3rd JaVA, the third Fighter Aircraft Section at Waalhaven Airport in Rotterdam. As early as May 10, 1940, the 330 had to make an emergency landing near Zevenbergen, just south of Moerdijk. The pilot at that time was Sgt.Maj. J. Buwalda. The 330 was so badly damaged that the Luftwaffe decided to scrap it in August 1940. This is remarkable, as quite a few G.1 fighter cruisers had been refurbished by the Germans. This 330 has nothing to do with a beautiful 330 replica that is (unfortunately) in storage at the NMM in Soesterberg. The Aviodrome would like to have it on loan for a while.
331	5552	The 331st was delivered to the LVA on September 22, 1939, and assigned to the 4th JaVA in Bergen. The 331st would be flown by Sgt. Flt. A. Bosman and tail gunner Sgt.Wnr. R. Coene. As early as May 10, 1940, an engine failed on the platform, subsequently misfiring and sustaining heavy damage. This brought the 331st face-to-face with the G.1 of 1st Lt. Flt. H. Dill and ultimately burned.
332	5553	The 332 was delivered to the LVA on September 30, 1939, and assigned to the 4th Java Company. This fighter cruiser also suffered severe damage during the German bombing raid on May 10, 1940. LVA mechanics in Bergen began working on it as early as May 11, 1940. The Germans confiscated it after the Dutch capitulation and continued its restoration. The Luftwaffe subsequently used this G.1A for training. Registered as ?? 97 with the c/n 5553 on the tail. See photo 9 of "The G.1 in Foreign Military Service," taken in Munich in 1941. (Source: Fam. W. Vredeling Hoofddorp).
333	5554	The 333 was delivered to the LVA on October 17, 1939, and deployed to the 4th JaVA at Bergen Air Base. On May 10, immediately after the German bombing of Bergen began, the 333 was completely destroyed. The G.1 was completely burned. The 333 was also part of the astonishingly incompetent group deployed on the platform.
334	5555	The 334 was delivered to the LVA on October 20, 1939, and assigned to the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven. This G.1 was written off as early as May 10, 1940, during the German bombing of Rotterdam Airport.
335	5556	The 335 c/n 5556 was delivered to the LVA on October 31, 1939, and also stationed with the 3rd JaVA at Waalhaven. Incidentally, this G.1 is still held in storage at Waalhaven. It is suspected that the LVA likes to keep some items in reserve, or that, for example, some of the armament is not yet ready. It is therefore quite likely that the Germans flew this G.1 to the Erprobungsstelle (Testing Department) Rechlin in Mecklenburg. Incidentally, more Fokker G.1A aircraft ended up there. And not without reason, as the G.1 possessed some remarkable qualities at that time.

To the G-series overview

The Fokker G.1A

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The battle from Waalhaven airport

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Overview Fokker G1A