Corgi Aviation Archive AA34910, Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 (Trop), Hans Joachim Marseille, 1942. 1/32 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 12.5" Wingspan, 11.25" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included, Limited Worldwide.

Of the 130 most successful air aces in history, all but one flew with the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, with an incredible 107 achieving 100 or more aerial victories. Among this elite group, one name stands above the rest according to his peers: Hans Joachim Marseille. Despite a troubled start to his career, marked by disciplinary issues and a playboy reputation, Marseille would become the highest scoring Luftwaffe ace not having fought on the Eastern Front.

Deployed to North Africa, Marseille flourished under fighter leader Eduard Neumann, who recognised exceptional talent in the young pilot. With the desert offering none of his usual distractions, Marseille perfected the art of deflection shooting and became a master of aerial combat. His victory tally climbed rapidly, with multiple kills on single missions earning him the legendary title 'Star of Africa'.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109F 'Friedrich' was his favoured mount, which he regarded as the perfect fighting machine. Between 24th August and 25th September 1942, he scored at least 49 victories in this aircraft type, including an extraordinary 17 kills in a single day, a feat that remains unmatched in aerial warfare history.