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Re: The destruction of 11/JG-26 in Tunisia
This is interesting Nick
Checking Caldwell, he says, like you, the disaster happened on 3.12.1942. However he does not list any relevant losses, either men or aircraft, during December.
Looking at what Group Prien has to say about it, there is a recorded loss of five Bf 109 G due to an Allied ground attack on 25.11.1942 but nothing dated 3.12.42.
Group Prien has done some research and it seems the statement can be traced back to the book written about JG 26 by Josef Priller. However neither Prien et Al can come up with any recorded losses, either of aircraft or men, in December. Since Prien has interviewed Hans-Jürgen Westphal (the St Kap) who could not recall any such incident it feels unlikely to have happened.
Caldwell also has 11./JG 26 as disbanded on 4.12.1942 (ie the day after the 'disaster') with all survivors, men and machines, going to JG 51. A new 11./JG 26 then being formed on 10.12.1942. This is refuted by Prien who says the Staffel was the same, commanded by Westphal at least to the end of the month.
I have not checked the unit any further than this.
I can fully understand that MAW Vol 3 does not mention anything on Dec 3rd but I don't find anything relevant on Nov 25th either.
Cheers
Stig
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