[sidney]

Merlin, thank you for the prompt clarification. Absorbing the entire 10.(N)/ZG 26 Staffel probably was not considered the appreciable event worth reporting.

I took the pain to compile a mini-strength report of the following units: IV.(N)/JG 2 of the date of Gruppe formation, 3 February 1940, as well as the last strength reports for the following Staffeln: 10.(N)/JG 2, 10.(N)/JG 72, 10.(N)/JG 26 and 10.(N)/ZG 26, copy attached.

It points out the following:

1. The actual strength of 10.(N)/ZG 26 as of 30 December 1939 was unknown, which meant that the Staffel might have been under-strength (i.e., having less than 12 Bf 109 D-1 aircraft, and/or 12 pilots).

2. 10.(N)/JG 26 suffered one pilot fatality during the Battle of the German Bight of 18 December 1939, whereby its strength reported on 2 December 1939 was ten (10) pilots. On 6 January 1940, it reported fifteen (15) pilots, nine (9) of which were combat ready. The apparent influx of at least six (6) pilots.

The above suggests that 10.(N)/JG 26 might have suffered considerably in the battle of 18.12.1939, and that it might have absorbed an under-strength Staffel, as suggested.

Regards,
Sinisa