Kampfgeschwader 55

Kampfgeschwader 55
Active	1 May 1939–c. 27 April 1945
Country	Nazi Germany
Branch	Luftwaffe
Type	Bomber Squadron
Role	Air interdiction close air support Offensive counter air Maritime interdiction Strategic bombing
Size	Air Force Wing
Nickname(s)	Greif
Engagements	Polish Campaign Battle of Belgium Battle of France Battle of Britain The Blitz Eastern Front
Commanders
Notable commanders	Alois Stoeckl
Insignia
Identification symbol	Geschwaderkennung of G1

Kampfgeschwader 55 "Greif" (KG 55 or Battle Wing 55) was a Luftwaffe bomber unit during World War II. KG 55 was one of the longest serving and well-known in the Luftwaffe. The wing operated the Heinkel He 111 exclusively until 1943, when only two staffeln of its four Gruppen (Groups) used the Junkers Ju 88C.

Founded in May 1939, the Geschwader (Wing) was a product of a late surge in expanding the size of the Luftwaffe medium bomber forces. The formation of the wing began on 1 May 1939 with the creation of the command (Stab) Gruppe (Group) and I. and II./KG 55 (first and second groups). III./KG 55 was formed on 1 November 1939 two months after the outbreak of war in Europe. IV.(Erg.)/KG 55 was formed on 1 August 1940 to train new crews sent to the Geschwader. The formation's first Geschwaderkommodore was Wilhelm Süssmann.

KG 55 first saw action in the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. During the Phoney War—September 1939–April 1940—the bomber wing flew armed reconnaissance missions over France. In May 1940 KG 55 participated in the Battle of Belgium and Battle of France through to the end of the campaigns in June 1940.

In July 1940 KG 55 took part in the Battle of Britain but suffered significant losses in the battle. On 14 August KG 55 lost Geschwaderkommodore Alois Stoeckl killed over England. It continued operations over the British Isles during The Blitz until June 1941. KG 55 attacked targets over Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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Wikipedia