Thanks John
So if I read you correctly, you only have the claims from I./ZG 26 and none from II./ZG 26? A pity since I was hoping you would be able to say which of Caldwell's statements that were correct...
Anyway from Caldwell's statements and your correction of aircraft type it seems "your " man DID make the first claim of I./ZG 26 since as stated above II./ZG 26 made one claim vs the inbound bombers which should make that claim the first for the whole Geschwader using the Me 410.
ZG 26 had flown some missions before, on April 29th, May 7th and May 9th, but not been able to make any contact with the US forces.
Cheers
Stig