ZG 26
| Zerstörergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel" | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1936–1944 |
| Country |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Branch |
 Luftwaffe
|
| Type |
Heavy fighter Bomber destroyer |
| Role | Air superiority |
| Size | Air Force Wing |
| Patron | Horst Wessel |
| Fighter Aircraft |
Messerschmitt Bf 110 Messerschmitt Me 410 |
| Engagements |
World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Joachim-Friedrich Huth |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Bf 109, Bf 110, Me 410 |
World War II
Zerstörergeschwader 26 (ZG 26) "Horst Wessel" was a Luftwaffe heavy/destroyer Fighter Aircraft-wing of World War II.
Zerstörergeschwader 26 was formed in early 1936 from the Jagdgeschwader 134 "Horst Wessel". The Geschwaderstab and I. Gruppe was located in Dortmund, II. Gruppe in Werl and III. Gruppe in Lippstadt. The Geschwader was subordinated to Luftflotte 2. The Geschwader was re-equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 110 shortly before the outbreak of World War II.
The unit took part in the Battle of France from May–June 1940. With the battle won ZG 26 moved into airfields based around Crecy-en-Ponthieu, Lille, and Yvrench. III./ZG26 flew its first mission against the UK on 9 July, losing one Bf-110. ZG 26 was heavily engaged on 10 July when escorting Do 17s attacking the channel convoy codenamed 'Bread'. The defending RAF fighters were drawn up to protect the merchantmen and the ZG 26 crews claimed 12 Spitfires and Hurricanes (although RAF losses were 1 shot down,1 crash-landed). III./ZG26 in turn lost 3 Bf-110’s and another damaged.
'Adlertag' on 13 August, got off to the bad start when, due to poor weather all morning attacks were cancelled. However, although the recall order reached the Bf-110 of ZG 26, the Do 17s of KG 2 they were escorting did not receive the order. Frantic attempts by the Zerstörer crews to alert the Do-17s to turn back proved fruitless and the Dorniers continued to their target. ZG 26 returned to base, leaving KG 2 to press on alone. Later in the day Erpr.Gr.210 took off to attack on Rochford airfield, escorted by I./ZG 26. Weather conditions at this time of day were no better than in the morning and the mission was aborted, Erpr.Gr.210 releasing its bombs over Canterbury and returning to base. I./ZG 26 ran into the Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron and, for the loss of one Bf-110, claimed 4 shot down.
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Wikipedia