KG 51 onslought on 22 june 1941

[Bogdan]

Hello
I recently acquired Wolfgand Dierich's KG 51 history book, that states this geschwadder suffered grevious losses on the eve of russian campaign, on 22 june 1941.The author refears at more then 20 crews lost altogether within all three groups.
I wish I knew the truth, because I doubt this is true. I have the official KG 51 order of battle for 24 june 1941 and the strength returns had not suffered any particular modification, I mean after such a devastating blow, those real blody lossees must have mainly affected the strength for each of the gruppe.
I do not believe any argument the germans had time to replace their losses within 2 days so that 24.june strength returns were already completed , because they did not have the necesarry time for it, especially during those hetic battles.
Please respond. Regards, Bogdan

[Norbert Schuchbauer]

Based on the BA loss reports KG 51 lost 19 aircraft that day. The losses were of various degrees. 100% to as little as 30%. Crew losses varied as well.

Hope this helps,

Norbert

[steve sheridan]

Hi Bogdan, I have recentley spent a great deal of time sifting through KG51's losses, during the start of the Russian Campaign .
I too have also noticed the descrepancies shown on the Orders of Battle, bearing in mind KG51 suffered 20-22 a/c lost or damaged, possibly more? up to the 24.6.41. The majority of these failed to return, so weren,t repaired and not making the numbers up later!

You may like to see my thread on this board if of interest, featuring my appeal for information on this period.

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...highlight=KG51

As of interest, the Order of Battle i have for 13.8.40 during the Battle of Britain is the same, and doesn't show the 12 losses suffered the day before, following the units raids on Portsmouth and Ventnor Radar Station,
and indicate 71 Geschwader aircraft combat ready the same as the day before!
Id welcome any further information on these Orders of Battle, and indeed anything relevant regarding KG51's ops or losses.
Best regs,
Steve.