Kampfgeschwader 51
| Kampfgeschwader 51 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1939–45 |
| Country |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Branch |
 Luftwaffe
|
| Type | Bomber Wing |
| Role | Tactical and Direct Ground Support. |
| Size | Air Force Wing |
| Nickname(s) | Edelweiss |
| Engagements |
Battle of the Netherlands Battle of Belgium Battle of France German invasion of Yugoslavia Battle of Greece Battle of Crete Eastern Front |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Geschwaderkennung of 9K |
Kampfgeschwader 51 "Edelweiss" (KG 51) (Battle Wing 51) was a Luftwaffe bomber wing during World War II. The unit began forming in December 1939. The unit operated the Dornier Do 17, Heinkel He 111 and Junkers Ju 88 light and medium bombers. The wing was named after the Edelweiss flower, found in Austria.
Stab/KG 51 and I./KG 51 were formed on 1 May 1939 at Landsberg am Lech, and the formation was completed on 20 August 1939. The units were initially designated KG 255. The units were initially equipped with the Do 17Ps, but later reequipped with He 111Hs in August 1939. The unit spent most of the summer training and recruiting personnel from the flight schools, and the Geschwader did not see much action during the Polish Campaign.
Throughout the Phoney War, the two active Gruppen, I./KG 51 and II./KG51, remained on standby in western Germany. I./KG 51 was based at Memmingen. The Stab./KG 51 remained at Landsberg am Lech, but stood ready to move in case of an Allied attack. During this period II./KG 51 was formed between 1 December 1939 and 15 April 1940. This Gruppen was equipped with the Ju 88. III./KG 51 was also formed during this time. Formation began on 1 September 1939 and was completed in May 1940, although the unit flew leaflet missions over Marseille and Bordeaux on 17 November 1939, without loss. It is recorded between this time it was equipped with He 111Hs, and had 36 on strength, with 33 serviceable when it entered operations over France.
At the start of the Battle of France the Strength of Stab./KG 51 with nine He 111s, all were serviceable. However this was soon reduced to a Stabskette. On the day of the western offensive the unit had just a single He 111 and Ju 88. The strength of I./K 51 on the 10 May 1940 stood at 36 He 111s of which 34 were serviceable. II./KG had 38 Ju 88s on hand, of which just 15 were serviceable. The third Gruppen, III.KG 51, was equipped with 39 He 111s, of which 29 were air worthy on 10 May.
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