Lehrgeschwader 2
| Lehrgeschwader 2 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1938–42 |
| Country |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Branch |
 Luftwaffe
|
| Type | Multi-purpose Wing |
| Role | Tactical and Direct Ground Support |
| Size | Air Force Wing |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Geschwaderkennung of L2 |
Lehrgeschwader 2 (LG 2) (Demonstration Wing 2) was a Luftwaffe unit during World War II, operating three fighter, night fighter, reconnaissance and ground support Gruppen (groups).
Lehrgeschwader were in general mixed-formation units tasked with the operational evaluation of new types of aircraft and/or with the development/evaluation of new operational tactics or practices. Each Gruppe within the unit was equipped with a different type of aircraft. Each Gruppe consisted of several Staffeln (squadrons). The Gruppe was identified by Roman numbers (I./LG 2) and the Staffel by Arabic numbers (10./LG 2).
In 1939 Lehrgeschwader 2 thus consisted of a Bf 109 fighter Gruppe (designated I.(J)/LG 2), a Henschel Hs 123 ground assault Gruppe (II.(Schl.)/LG 2), and a reconnaissance Gruppe (III.(Aufkl.)/LG 2).
The unit was created to control the Lehrgruppe in the Luftwaffe. Stab and I.(J)/LG 2 was formed on 1 November 1938 in Garz. II.(Schl.)/LG 2 was formed in November 1938 in Tutow near the Baltic coast and III Gruppe at Jüterbog.
11.(Nacht)/LG 2 was a specialist night-fighting unit formed in August 1939 in Greifswald under Oblt. Johannes Steinhoff, with Arado ar 68 & Bf 109-D equipment. In September 1939 the unit moved to Bonn-Hangelar and was redesignated 10.(N)/JG 26.
I.(J)/LG 2 became the new I Gruppe, JG 77 in January 1942.
Formed on 1 October 1937, the unit took part in the Polish Campaign, claiming six kills for three losses from 1–20 September 1939. The unit also participated in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. One base in this period was Saint Inglevert, Pas-de-Calais. Its commander Oberlt. Herbert Ihlefeld, was its most successful ace, claiming 24 victories by September 1940 and earning the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. On 10 August 1940 future ace Hans-Joachim Marseille was assigned to I./LG 2, then based in Calais-Marck and flying sorties against England. The Gruppe claimed 92 victories during the Battle, for 22 aircraft lost and 16 damaged. It lost 10 pilots killed and missing and four as POW.
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