Whispers of aviation history linger around Geb\u00e4ude 35/500. Introduction first. Geb\u00e4ude 35/500 in Munich once played a role in Germany’s aviation history. It is near Erding. Erding was a Luftwaffe pilot training airfield before and during World War II. This airfield was significant during the Nazi preparations for war. The population of Erding grew rapidly as a result. By 1939, it had over 10,000 inhabitants. The air base construction began in 1935. The Allied code designation for the airfield was R.91.
Hundreds of forced laborers worked at the Erding air base. They were from the Eichenkofen forced labor camp. This happened after the war started. Flying transfer units were based here from 1941. These included the Transfer Command for Aircraft Group 3. Messerschmitt Me 262s took off from here in April 1945.
In April 1945, the United States Army seized the airfield. It became an American Air Force facility. This happened during the early years of the Cold War. The 7200th Air Force Depot Wing was stationed here. Aircraft from the US and UK took off from Erding. They did supply flights as part of the Berlin Airlift. The number of employees rose greatly. There were 7,512. 2,704 of them were soldiers.
The Stadtturm is a recognizable structure. The Nazi flag flew before it. Today, the iron cross is replaced. The Nazis also used non-profit housing companies. These supported the folkish idea of homeland. Inhabitants were deemed “racially valuable.” They also had to be politically reliable. At the airport management’s request, the cooperative built housing. These homes were for airport employees.
Many aviation scenes were shot in Erding. It was for the 1941 comedy Quax, der Bruchpilot. Heinz R\u00fchmann starred in it. Schrannenplatz is recognizable in the film. Hitler loved the film. It was repeatedly shown at his headquarters.
Today, Geb\u00e4ude 35/500 stands as a reminder of Munich’s complex past. It whispers tales of aviation ambition and wartime activity. Geb\u00e4ude 35/500 witnessed history unfolding above and around it. The building stands as a silent observer.