Early War Temporary Designations of Zerstörergruppen

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

I am hoping someone can clarify a minor question that I have had with some relatively unknown units of the early war period: JGr 101, JGr 102, JGr 126, JGr 152 and JGr 176. I am aware that these were II./ZG 1, I./ZG 2, III./ZG 26, I./ZG 52 and II./ZG 76 respectively and that these designations were temporary while they were equipped with single-engined fighters until sufficient twin-engined heavy fighters became available to re-equip them. What was the time period that these were known by their temporary designations? Any comments will be most appreciated.

Horrido!

Leo

[sidney]

Hi,

Below are the dates that I have gathered. You can also check/verify them on ww2.dk

Jagdgruppe 101 - II./ZG 1 - from 21.9.1939: JGr. 101 - from 1.3.1940: II./ZG 1
Jagdgruppe 102 - I./ZG 2 - from 21.9.1939: JGr. 102 - from 30.1.1940: I./ZG 2
Jagdgruppe 126 - III./ZG 26 - from 25.9.1939: JGr. 126 - from 4.2.1940: III./ZG 26
Jagdgruppe 152 - I./ZG 52 - from 24.9.1939: JGr. 152 -from 6.1.1940: I./ZG 52
Jagdgruppe 176 - II./ZG 76 - from 9.9.1939: JGr. 176 - from 30.1.1940: II./ZG 76

Regards,
Sinisa

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Sinisa

Many thanks for your post. That is what I have usually read but what makes me wonder is that in various sources I have seen these units referred to by their temporary designations prior to 21 September 1939, including claim and lost lists. Unfortunately, this is a very murky area and little can be stated with certainty.

Horrido!

Leo

[sidney]

Hi again Leo, you are most welcome

I believe that among others you might be referring to John Weal's book BF 109D/E Aces 1939-1941 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 11), where, if I remember correctly I./ZG 2 was referred to as JGr. 102 already during the campaign against Poland.

The dates that I gave in my response to your query were derived from Prien, Stemmer and others series of books JFV der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934-1945, Part 2.

I would go with the latter reference.

Regards,
Sinisa

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Sinisa

Many thanks for your reply. If indeed these various dates are sourced from Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945 then that settles it for me as well. Case closed and many thanks!

Horrido!

Leo