KüFlGr Ju 88s

[Adam]

In 1941 when 2./906 converted briefly to the Ju 88s, did the aircraft it collect come directly from the factories or where they 'hand-me-downs'?

I have four W.Nr. possibly associated with the unit (no sub-type data though) and it looks like they are part of a series suggesting the unit picked up new aircraft direct upon conversion from seaplanes:

1153 (I have this as 8L+AK)
1158 (no Kz. fo this aircraft)
1160 (I have this as (8L+DK)
1167 (I have this as 8L+EK)

However, I have another four - again, possibly associated with the unit - that are more widely dispersed, but still within the realms of possibility for a brand new collection:

1237 (I have this as 8L+FK)
1247 (I have this as 8L+HK)
1254 (I have this as 8L+GK)

Any insight into how/where the unit sourced its aircraft and what types these were. (If anyone knows of any other Ju 88s associated with the unit, I'd be very interested also).

TIA

Adam

[ArtieBob]

The Ju 88 A-4 and D-1s really did not arrive at front line units in very large quantities until after the summer vacation period in 1941 ( yes, it appears that Bernburg still was on a peacetime schedule at that time). All the W.Nr. in your post have final assembly dates that would seem pretty consistent with not having been at another unit.

Best Regards,

Artie Bob

[Adam]

Thanks for the infor ArtieBob.

Given there are two distinct blocks - 11xx and 12xx - does this represent a break in the WNr series or is it just a case of the other aircraft between WNr 1167 and 1237 were given to other units?

The original conversion for 2./906 was during 4.41 and 1./506 converted at the same time. Even so, usual establishment for these units was around 9 - 10 which doesn't account for such a large jump between WNr's. I am assuming these aircraft are of the A-4 series so would they have been collected direct from Bernberg (as the units transfered to Westerland) or would there have been an intermediary aircraft park that was used?

Thanks again

Adam

[Peter Achs]

Originally Posted by ArtieBob

( yes, it appears that Bernburg still was on a peacetime schedule at that time).

Sorry, but that is nonsense. In May/June 1941 50-60 complete airframes Ju 88 A-4 stood in Bernburg without engines.

The delays resulted from problems with the engine Jumo 211 J, mainly with the intercooler (the first Ju88 A-4’s were delivered without intercooler) the propeller pitch control and the supercharger control unit.

Regards Peter

[edNorth]

Hi Adam,

Further to ArtieBobs post. There were mixture of A-4´s and D-1´s in the Bernburg W.Nr. 0881xxx range (no breaks in that range, not two blocks!) and yes, other A-4 and D-1 aircraft going to units all over the Luftwaffe.

1153 (8L+AK) - Later lost as A-4 with III/KG 51 ? (info not clear)
1158 ( ) - Likely D-1, D-1 later lost with 3.(F)/100
1160 (8L+DK) - Later D-1 S4+CK lost 20.01.42
1167 (8L+EK) - Later destoyed as D-1 with 4.(F)/121.
1237 (8L+FK) - Lost as 8L+FK, variant not stated.
1247 (8L+HK) - Lost as A-4 (?) 8L+HK in Scotland 05.09.41
1254 (8L+GK) - Lost as A-4 4D+JT III/KG 30 06.08.41

I presume you have this from the KTB ?

Best regards
ed

[ArtieBob]

Ohh.. Peter,

My suspicion is you missed the joke. I am aware shortage of engines delayed A-4 deliveries, but as having worked for a German company, I also remember how extremely difficult it was to have anything delivered from the German facilities between mid-summer’s eve and late August. It seemed a rather funny coincidence that deliveries increased dramatically after that period in 1941, please note carefully how the statement was worded. Of course, I am certain that you have primary documentation to prove that JFM did not have a vacation period in 1941 and will present copies of it on this forum to support your statement.

Best Regards,

Artie Bob

[Adam]

Thanks for the info Ed, The only clear aircraft I have from the KTB is 8L+HK, the rest from the KTB (at least those bits which I've seen) only use aircraft letters, not WNrs. Those are just various bits I got from loss reports.