NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Hi

I am looking for as much info as possible regarding the stay of 4.(?)/NJG2 in Benghazi in November/December(?) 1941.

Original purpose, personnel, type of planes, sorties flown, successes, losses, duration, , any particular issues, etc.

From my information (from ULTRA) it appears that the detachment was commanded by Ltn. Schulz and they lost a plane (R4+NK - Oberltn. Harms) damaged (belly-landing Catania?!) during a recce sortie on 23 Nov. 41, and one shot down (R4+NK - Lt. Voigt/Fw. Wolff) during a ground attack on the same day.

I presume they were originally sent to provide night defence against Wellingtons, but then got roped into defending against CRUSADER.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some more light!

All the best

Andreas

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Hi,

23.11.41
Ju 88C-4 2./NJG2 W.Nr.0556 hit by flak by Benghazi and belly-landed at Catania 25%
Olt. Harmstorf (FF), Uffz. Krogull (BF) and Uffz. Schiffbaenker (BM) all unhurt
23.11.41
Ju 88C-2 2./NJG2 W.Nr.0712 R4+HK damaged by Hurricane by Benghazi (10%)
Lt. Voigt (FF), Fw. Zimmermann (Bf) unhurt; Uffz. Bodden (BM) WIA

Regards

Robert

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

You might want to look in to the losses on
5.12.41 1./NJG 2, Catania Rollschaden 15%, Ju 88 C-2 W.Nr. 0269 R4+AH
19.12.41 1./NJG 2, Catania Bauchlandung infolge Jägerbeschuss 50%, Ju 88 C-2 W.Nr. 0824, R4+BH

Which gives confirms that they stayed for ca a month at least.

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Many thanks all!

One question, if the plane gets shot up south of Benghazi, why does it go to Catania?

All the best

Andreas

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Andreas

If you check out Mikael Holms site, you will have a reasonable answer why the pilots tried to get back to Catania.

http://www.ww2.dk/air/njagd/njg2.htm

Cheers
Stig

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Heinz Rökker wrote 2 books, one a history of I./NJG 2 and the 2nd of his war diary, the latter of which I've not really gone through to any extent. Both were published by VDM Heinz Nickel. One or both may still be available. I haven't really looked at either for some time, but did record the loss table from the I./NJG 2 history several years ago. Sorry, this is probably not particularly helpful, but are likely the 2 best sources for I./NJG 2 in the Med. that I know of.

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Hi Stig

I understand it was their base, just surprised that a crew would choose to cross the Med with a 25% damaged plane with hydraulics issues.

All the best

Andreas

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

One more question, could the C-4 as flown in November 41 carry bombs?

All the best

Andreas

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Theoretically they could.

Re: NJG 2 in Benghazi November 1941
 

Andreas

You are jumping a bit to your conclusion. The 25 % damage was after it had bellylanded at Catania. There is nothing in the report which exclusively state the damage done by the AA-fire....

Secondly, I think there is an inbuilt psychologic effect behind why you want to return from where you are/feel at home. Someone else can probably elaborate on that, but I think this is pretty universal and deeply rooted.

Cheers
Stig