He 177 in Norway
 

It is well known that II./K.G.40 was transferred from Bordeaux to Gardermoen in Norway in early August 1944, bringing with them 28
operational He 177A-5/Kehl. My impression has been that they were left more or less idle at Gardermoen until transferred back to Germany in
October 1944. However, recent information indicate that all, or some of these aircraft, were planned to be used operationally, most likely against
Allied aircraft carriers operating off the coast of Northern Norway.
The reason is that one such aircraft was transferred from Bodö to Trondheim-Vaernes as late as 6. May 1945. This aircraft had apparently been part of a force and been detained at Bodö due to technical problems.
Also the wreck of one He 177 was left behind at Bardufoss in Northern
Norway. This aircraft was apparently painted white or partly white.
When Germany capitulated in Norway on 9. May 1945, no He 177 aircrat
was listed among those left behind, excluding wrecked or aircraft written off.
Can someone help with additional information about the movement of
He 177 aircraft in, to or from Norway 1944/1945.
Any info will be most appreciated.

Re: He 177 in Norway
 

The He 177 were not transferred back to Germany. They were scrapped in Norway, as were those at Aalborg Denmark.
In a "Reisebericht" from october 1944 it's written that after the arrivel of KG 40 in Norway, no flights of any kind were made, and the unit is dissolved. Just one Staffel is still "active".
What is the source for the fligt in may 1945?

Junker

Re: He 177 in Norway
 

Hello Jörn,
my Source for the transfer of the He 177 on 6. May 1945 is HW5/703.
It was a clear radio intercept from the naval W/T station in Bodö.
The info about the wrecked Aircraft left at Bardufoss was given to me
by the Norwegian air historian Ulf Larsstuvold.
I have a copy of the report about the He 177-equipped units and I also
had the clear impression that after arrival in Norway, nothing happened
to II./K.G.40. My copy contains a specified list of the aircraft in Aalborg
but no details of the aircraft at Gardermoen. Does your copy contain
details of Gardermoen as well ??