ZG76 Claims on 1 September 1940

[Peter Cook]

In The Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, 1980, p. 71-4 Armand van Ishoven, has a chapter titled '500th Victory' in which an unnamed war correspondent describes the 500th 'victory' by Bf 110 unit ZG76 – which claimed its first victory on 1 September 1939 and its 500th one year later on 1 September 1940. It states that the Geschwader started the day with 483 victories, and then took part in escorting bombers on an airfield attack near London. It is well recorded that I and II/ZG76 was part of the escort for Do 17s of I and III/KG76 on this day, and several sources list 8-9 claims for Spitfires and Hurricanes, all by 6/KG76. But van Ishoven's account goes on to state that I Gruppe claimed seven, II Gruppe claimed six, and III Gruppe claimed four, for a total of 17 claims for no losses, reaching the total figure of 500 for the year.
As stated above, several sources, including Tony Woods OKL claim listings, identify 8 claims, while Simon Parry identifies a 9th – all by 6 Staffel. Is there any basis for the 17 claims described by van Ishoven?

Peter

[Peter Kassak]

I doubt a bit the info on I,. Gruppe claims. Since 15.8.1940 the Gruppe did not claim any victory.
As for III. Gruppe the information are missing. I can confirm only one possible victory of 7. Staffel.
Also to tell that the 500th victory mark was a propaganda. Possibly it included also the ground claims, however our listing of ZG 76 claims stands on the number 325 at the end of that day, counting also few unconfirmed victories

[robert]

Hi Peter,

only up to 4 claims. 2 from 7./ZG76 and 1 from 9./ZG76 for sure.

[Peter Kassak]

any names?/times?
thx

Peter

[robert]

A book will be published probably next year.

[Peter Cook]

Thanks Robert and Peter,

Herewith the 9 claims that I have, all made by 6/ZG76 on 1 September 1940.

The following are listed by Tony Woods, Michael Balss and some other sources:
Lt H.J. Jabs - Spitfire and 2 Hurricanes
Oblt W. Herget - 3 Spitfires
Oblt G. Piduhn - Spitfire
Obgfr W. Zimmer - Hurricane
By Parry: Fw L. Spitzer (Bf) - Hurricane.

Peter

[Peter Kassak]

I have Zimmer as Bordfunker...
and Lambert Spitzer is not on my list... (but he is a pilot and not Bf)
Thanks Peter Cook

[Chris Goss]

I hate to say that ZG claims are both imprecise and inaccurate in 1940

[Peter Kassak]

Indeed, but one has to decide, whether use in research the claimed ones, or confirmed ones, or after indept research accept only real ones ...