Messerschmitt 110 loss - May 1940, Sercus, France

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by Marcel Hogenhuis

As the 1./Erpr.Gr.210 had 3 losses in August 1940 (2 on 11.8.1940 and 1 on 15.8.1940), it is likely that these losses had the Werkenummer of the first batch of six Bf110 C-6's.

Marcel,

Not necessarily so. Please note the following also:

29/7/40 Bf 110 C-6 2N+RH Returned to base damaged following combat.
Lt. Erich Beudel (P) & Ogefr Heinrich Diemer (Bf).

30/7/40 Bf 110 C-6 Shot down into the North Sea by Allard and Hamilton of 85 Sqdn.
Lt. Hans Herold (P) & Ogefr. Lotar Lilienthal (Bf).

So, if you add these two to the three in August, and also the two from 5./SKG 210 and 8./ZG 26, you will see that it makes more than 6.

Erich Beudel's flugbuch records that he flew the following Bf 110s with 1./Erpr. Gr. 210 in July 1940: 'G', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'R', 'S', & 'T'. All C-6s. I therefore believe they had on charge more than 6 in July 1940.

I also believe the Bf 110 C-6s shown on charge with other units later in the war (apart from SKG 210 & ZG 1) were damaged machines of Erpr. Gr. 210 that went through the usual repair facility and were re-issued to other units. According to Petrick/Mankau, all 12 C-6s were built and issued by July 1940.

Hope this helps.

John V.