Units launching V-1s against UK
 

This is a continuation of a thread on the previous board.

I have report B.Nr. 2965/44 g.kdos. ET of 19 Oct 44 entitled "Abwuerfe zur Ausbildung des KG 53" and has the sub-title "Bericht ueber Abwuerfe zur Ausbildung des KG 53 in the Zeit vom 21.9.-11.10.44." It discusses the 157 V-1s fired by that unit's He 111s in the Baltic during the above period.

But, if KG 3 became KG 53 only in mid-October 1944, how could KG 53 be training in September 1944?

All the best,
George

V1
 

Ho George,

See Heinz Kiehl's Kampfgeschwader "Legion Condor" 53, pages 285-294 and 356-360. On page 358 is stated:'Bei der überwältigden britischen Abwehr mußten die Angriffe fast ausnahmlos bei Nacht, in geringer Flughöhe, unterhalb der britischen Radarkette und bei schlechtem Wetter geflogen werden. Diese, unter den gegebenen Umständen unregelmäßigen durchgeführten V 1- Angriffe begannen am 16. September 1944 und endeten im Verband des KG 53 am 5. Januar 1945.'

Page 359 Leutant a.D. Walter Stich is quoted: 'Mit Beginn des V 1 -Einsatzes wurde ich Log-Offizier bei der III. Gruppe. (...) Die ehemalige 1. FBK KG 53, Friedensstandort Ansbach, war ab Sommer 1944 unter schweren Verlusten im Erdabschuß in Artois und Flandern eingesetzt. Die III./KG 53 war im Luftabwurf ab Oktober 1944 eingesetzt.'

On page 287 is stated that on 6 September 1944 the III. Gruppe started with the Umrüstung for V 1 missions in Nieder-Seyfersdorf near Grottkau in Schlesien.
Page 289 is stated that 'Unterstellung III./KG 3 unter Major Vetter als neue I./KG 53.'

Good luck with your research and best wishes,
Rob

Hello George,

III.KG 3 operated with V-1´s from Venlo, Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven since the beginning of July 1944. After 5 September 1944 they moved to Münster-Handorf for the same operations. Meanwhile, parts of KG 53 trained for V-1 drop flights too.
In October III.KG 3 was renamed I.KG 53 and formed with ´old´ KG 53 Gruppen the Kampfgeschwader 53 for V-1 missions.

Hoping that this helps, best wishes for 2005!

Marcel Hogenhuis
Study Group Venlo Airfield in WW-2

Thanks for all replies (on both boards)
 

Thanks to all, I have moved last week (work, flat and town) and has not yet settled in my new flat (no Internet at home so use connection as work). Will carefully read all replies in some days.

Season greetings

Laurent