Zerstörergeschwader 1 Me 109G's, 1944?

[Oberst]

Hello All,

I've seen a foto a while ago of A Me 109G that had a hand written caption of II./ZG 1 on it, dated 1944. Is this possible? As always thanks in advance!

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Oberst

I have not seen any evidence that II./ZG 1 used the Bf 109 G-6 operationally as the Strength Returns show it to have been entirely equipped with the Bf 110 G-2 throughout 1944 but it is interesting that this Zerstörergruppe was redesignated III./JG 76 in July 1944 and re-equipped with the Bf 109 G-6 and G-14 in August 1944. I would think that the photograph in question might possibly have been taken at that time. III./JG 76 was redesignated IV./JG 53 on 25 October 1944 after a brief and unremarkable career in which the most noteworthy point appears to have been the scale of its losses. Hopefully others can add to this.

Horrido!

Leo

[Oberst]

Yes, II./ZG 1 did form into III./JG 76. Egon Albrecht comes to mind. Perhaps the foto was mis-labled. But such a mistake from a period foto? Oh well, the mystery of the Luftwaffe continues... but without 109 flying in II./ZG 1 in 1944. Thanks Leo.

Gruß & Horrido