Bf110's over Greece

[alex crawford]

Hi,

I am looking for some details on the operations of 5 Staffel, II/ZG26 over Greece on the 20th April 1941.

The staffel was led by Hauptmann Theodoer Rossiwall and claimed five Hurricanes shot down during one engagement in the afternoon. I have a list of the successful pilots.

Does anyone know where the aircraft were based and at what times they took off and landed?

Two BF110s were lost, 3U+EN and 3U+FN. Any details of the crews would be appreciated.

Alex

[Jim P.]

Bf 110E, 4272, Leinfelder, Ofw. Georg (F)/Beckel, Uffz. Franz (Bf), , 5., ZG 26, , 3U+FN, , , 20-Apr-41, Both KIA in Luftkampf with Hurricanes., , Greece, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #3)-Vol.4; ZG 26 loss list via JHK; Shores, et al, Air War for Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete, p.265, , Megara near Piraeus, 100%, F

Bf 110E, 4299, Specka, Oblt. Kurt (F)/Franke, Uffz. Günther (Bf), , 5., ZG 26, , 3U+EN, , , 20-Apr-41, Both KIA in Luftkampf with Hurricanes., , Greece, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #3)-Vol.4; ZG 26 loss list via JHK; Shores, et al, Air War for Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete, p.269, , Megara near Piraeus, 100%, F

[steve sheridan]

Hi Alex,

In response to your msg above, i believe 5/ ZG26 was based at Larissa until sometime in may 1941.

Also i have a recorded takeoff date at 15.50hrs, dont have anything reg return times im afraid.

I dont suppose you have any info on the codes of Hpt Rossiwall, or that of
Oblt Sophus Baagoe of 8/ZG26,by any chance ?

Rgs,
Steve.

[alex crawford]

Hi,


Jim,

Thanks for the details on the two Bf110s.

Steve,

No I don't have the codes of the aircraft. I have only just started to look into the events of the 20 April.

If I find out I'll let you know.

Do you have any details on the five ZG26 pilots who made claims? Which Staffel they were in , aircraft codes etc,.

Alex

[steve sheridan]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for your response to my question.
I have the following information on claims made on 20.4.41

Hptm Theodor Rossiwall St.Kapitan 5/ZG26 1X Hurricane sht dn Eleusis Bay,
Obfw. Hermann Schonthier 5/ZG 26 ditto
Uffz. Fritz Muller 5/ZG26 ditto
Obfw. Theodor Pietschmann 5/ZG26 ditto
Oblt. Sophus Baagoe 8/ZG26 ditto

I also have another 5/ZG26 aircraft recorded as having crash-landed, with severe damage, but no further details of crew or identity.

Rgs,
Steve.

[alex crawford]

Hi Steve,


Thanks for the details.

I have had a look at Tony Woods' Luftwaffe Fighter Claims for 1941 in the Med and Southern Front.

The only listings for the 20th April are for JG27 claims. It does provide details of the Luftwaffe dispositions for the 20th, however.

I was hoping to find out the times of the German claims and see if I could tie them into known RAF losses. From what I have read of the air battles on the 20th they were rather hectic and trying to tie in claims to losses may be rather difficult.

Regards,

Alex