Me-410 losses June 25, 1944

[Henofred]

Bonjour,

I am looking for the German unit present on the Bourges airfield - June 25, 1944 - of which the 353rd Fighter Group claims the destruction of three Me-410. 353rd Group do not participate to the escort of the bombers for this target but be on the area by waiting for other bombers. These Me-410, could they belong to K.G. 51 or a reconnaissance unit? I suppose also that the type of planes could also be wrong…Thanks a lot beforehand for your assistance.

Frederic

[Nick Beale]

Me 410s were in service at that time with II./KG 51 and 1.(F)/121 in the West. However, from memory, II./KG 51 was operating from bases in Holland, especially Soesterberg.

[Henofred]

Merci Nick.

It seems to me that Geschwader Bongart (An anti-partisan unit) was there at that time. Did it use this type of aircraft? (The 353rd Group also speaks about a Bf-109.)

Regards,
Frederic

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Henofred

Merci Nick.

It seems to me that Geschwader Bongart (An anti-partisan unit) was there at that time. Did it use this type of aircraft? (The 353rd Group also speaks about a Bf-109.)

Regards,
Frederic

I think they may have had a Bf 110 or two among their odd collection of machines but I'd need to check. You could look at the article on Andrew Arthy's site though: fw190.hobbyvista.com/

[Henofred]

Merci beaucoup for the link.

Apparently the Me-410 was not in service with Geschwader Bongart. I note that the Bf109 can be part of this unit. In this same article it is mentioned an attack onto Avord, an airfield located at some distance of Bourges. 25 June 1944: III./S.G 4 was at two hours readiness for operations. It reported a bombing raid on Avord, but no 9./S.G. 4 aircraft were damaged.

Regards,
Frederic