II./LLG 1 in Russia 1943

[bakerman]

The DFS 230 equipped Lastenseglergruppe (glider unit) II./LLG 1, normally based in Halberstadt/Germany, was stationed in Southern Russia Januar to April 1943. Bases Zaporoshye and Kertsch IV.
What was the reason for it, lack of other transport planes after Stalingrad?

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by bakerman

What was the reason for it, lack of other transport planes after Stalingrad?

Supplying pockets of German troops cut off by the Soviet offensive, maybe? I met a former Go 242 pilot who had flown such missions but said his experiences were too horrible to talk about in detail.

[Larry deZeng]

Supplying Axis troops in the Kuban-Brückenkopf.

L.

[James A Pratt III]

see BCRS vol 4 chapter 16 for an account of the Luftwaffe's successfull supply operation of the Kuban bridgehead where gliders were used. I have not found any thing of the Germans using Gliders to supply Stalingrad.

For the Kuban operation DFS 230, Go 242 and Me 321 gliders were used. LLG 1 tow planes early Do-17s and Avia B534s. HE-111s of III/ Kg 4 were also used. I don't know what planes towed the Me-321s.