The Junkers Ju-52 was originally designed and produced as a single-engine civilian transport, which first flew in October 1930. But in 1931, Junkers modified the design to comprise three engines. It was designated Ju-52/3m – the 3m indicating Dreimotoren or three motors. In 1934, the first military version, designated the Ju-52/3mg3e, was produced as a transport and a medium bomber. This Junkers Ju-52/3m was assigned to 2.Staffel, KgzbV 1 at Milos, Greece in May 1941. Known as Operation Merkur, this was the last major airborne assault of German paratroopers during World War II.




