JG 2 Engagement - La Rochelle 24.07.1941

Hi everyone,

I am currently in the process of undertaking research for a painting of my Grandfather's aircraft during the Scharnhorst raid of 24th July 1941.

I understand that the two primary Luftwaffe units that engaged the bombers from 35 and 76 squadron were from JG2 and JG53.

I am keen to find an image of a JG2 Bf 109E from a base close to the Bay of Biscay.

I know that my Grandfather's aircraft was engaged approx. 20 times by Bf 109's with the tail gunner reporting one confirmed, two probables and several damaged and I am keen to ensure that the attacking aircraft represented in the painting are as accurate as possible.

From the recorded Luftwaffe loses that day, I would like to represent one of the damaged JG2 aircraft in the painting.

Any help / advice as to potential sources for this info. would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,


James

[Chris Goss]

I am assuming that your Grandfather was Fg Off P James in L9500/TL-H of 35 Sqn? As to Germans losses in the La Pallice attack, RAF claims were a little optimistic and the only losses suffered were:

1/JG 2 Bf 109 E-7, Wk Nr 5963. Landed at la Rochelle 1420 hrs after combat & written off. Ofw Rudolf Taeschner wounded
I/JG 2 Bf 109 E-7, Wk Nr 7672 Landed at La Rochelle with combat damage
I/JG 2 Bf 10-9 E-7, Wk Nr 3813 landed La Rochelle with combat damage
E/JG 53 Bf 109 E-7 Wk Nr 6328 written off at La Rochelle after combat

Who got whom in this attack is hard to ascertain as are matching RAF claims to German losses especially, as you can see, no German fighters were actually shot down rather the 4 of them were only damaged. I have 35 Sqn claiming 3 destroyed and one probable and 76 Sqn claiming two destroyed. No doubt the two lost by 35 Sqn and 3 lost by 76 Sqn also claimed German fighters. Incidentally, the Germans claims 11 Halifaxes plus 3 by Flak-interesting as only 15 were assigned to this attack!

[Frank Olynyk]

I would think the relevant volume by Erik Mombeeck on JG 2 http://www.luftwaffe.be/ and click on Publications, would be useful for names and photographs. The English language version doesn't cover the desired time period. The French language versions go through 1942; the German language ones go through 1941. The German language volumes were prepared after the French volumes, and have more up to date information. I have only the French versions. Hopefully Erik will produce additional volumes in one language or another to go to the end of the war.

Enjoy!

Frank.