KG 77
| Kampfgeschwader 77 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1939–44 |
| Country |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Branch |
 Luftwaffe
|
| Type | Bomber Wing |
| Role |
Air interdiction close air support Offensive counter air Maritime interdiction Strategic bombing |
| Size | Air Force Wing |
| Engagements |
Polish Campaign Battle of the Netherlands Battle of Belgium Battle of France Battle of Britain Battle of the Atlantic Eastern Front Battle of Normandy |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
3Z |
Kampfgeschwader 77 (KG 77) was a Luftwaffe bomber wing during World War II. Its units participated on all of the major fronts in the European Theatre until its dissolution in 1944. It operated all three of the major German bomber types; the Dornier Do 17, Heinkel He 111 and the Junkers Ju 88.
Kampfgeschwader 77 was formed on 1 May 1939 at Praha-Kbely, Kampfgeschwader 77</ref> in Czechoslovakia with Stab./KG 77 and I Gruppe. II Gruppe at Praha-Kbely on the same date. The unit was allocated to Luftflotte 4, and equipped with the Do 17Z, while III./KG 77 was not made operational until 26 August 1939, again in Königgrätz, now Hradec Králové. While training in the summer of 1939 the Geschwader "worked up" on the Dornier Do 17Z and He 111.
During the Polish campaign I. and III. Gruppes of KG 77 took part in combat operations. Operating from Breslau-Schöngarten (today Copernicus Airport Wrocław), I./KG 77 committed 108 bombers to the campaign. Operating from Breslau under Luftflotte 4. The unit participated in the Battle of Bzura, and carried out raids in the areas of Galicia, Radom, Kielce and Warsaw against rail, airfield and troop targets.
The unit did not participate in Operation Weserübung but instead spent the spring training and resting in preparation for the decisive western offensive in 1940.
The Unit committed 111 bombers to the campaign. From its base at Werl it operated over Belgium and northern France, attacking French armour targets in the Reims and Amiens area. KG 77 supported the German Army during the Battle of Dunkirk, and it supported the southern offensive, Fall Rot until the French surrender. The unit took part in Operation Paula, an attack on Paris airfields, 3 June 1940.
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