EM Nrs. - I./ZG76

[Peter Cornwell]

Andre,

The change was not as straightforward as your post suggests being much more complicated than a simple unit redesignation. Many aircrew of the 'parent' unit were not suitable for the new role, or voluntarily transferred to other duties, leaving a shortfall of personnel that had to be filled by those with instrument-flying skills etc. who were drawn from a variety of other units. EKM patterns are therefore difficult to establish particularly during the transitional period.

Thus the first formation of II./NJG1 on 20 July 1940 included a motley collection of crews drawn from units including (Z)/KG30, II./KG54, I./KG76, & I./ZG26. They were redesignated I./NJG2 on 2 September.

As you say, the second formation of II./NJG1 took place on 7 September 1940 with the cadre being formed from I./ZG76. 53591 was certainly carried by the 4./NJG1 crew lost two days later (is 3./NJG1 in your post a typo?). Similarly, 53590 was the EKM of LEMKE lost on 6 October 1940 though his pilot, Hptmn Heinrich Graf von STILLFRIED u. RATTONITZ still carried 60022 of his previous unit - Stabsstaffel KG54. This 'untidy' state of affairs with EKMs probably prevailed until fresh numbers were later allocated to the newly formed units.