5./ZG 26 Spitfire Claims 31 May

[Jim Oxley]

On 31 May a Schwarm of Bf 110's lead by Theodor Rossiwall, Staffelkapitan of 5./ZG 26, after having successfully provided escort to bombers over Dunkirk flew one last sweep over Dunkirk before returning to base.

On that sweep they surprised an estimated 50 Spitfires that emerged below them from misty cloud. On it's first bounce the Schwarm picked off two Spitfires. A second bounce resulted in another Spitfire going down. The third and final bounce saw two more Spitfires claimed shot down. At that point Rossiwall lead his Schwarm home - without loss.

The above is an abridged version of the action, which is outlined in detail in John Vasco' excellent book "Zerstorer". Rossiwall commented on how unorganised the enemy formation was, milling around beneath him, giving him the impression of a complete bunch of beginners. Which was why he kept attacking.

Would anyone have any idea as to the identity of the Spitfire squadrons involved in that attack? If they did number around 50 that means that at least 4, perhaps 5, squadrons were involved.