Bf 110 Crew - June 26, 1944

[HGabor]

Hi John,

I reviewed my data, and found some ZG.1and ZG.76 losses in the summer of 1944 where I am still missing the WNr. and call-code for the lost planes. Do you have any serial number and letter-code for the following losses:

June 27, 1944:

II/ZG.1: Schneier & Knuttel at Budapest
I/ZG.76: Kübel & Gerhard at Budaörs
I/ZG.76: Brach at Gyor-W, 18 km
II/ZG.76: Zemke & Glaser at Felsogöd

June 30, 1944:

II/ZG.76: Grunau & Giller at Lake Balaton

July 2, 1944:

II/ZG.1: Schumann & Mayer at Budapest

Thanks,

Gabor

[John Vasco]

Don't have anything for Schneier & Knuttel.

Uffz. Horst Schumann & Uffz. Heinz Mayer, both of 5./ZG 1, killed in action in 2N+UN, W. Nr. 6300.

Regards,

John V.

[George Hopp]

John and I obviously differ slightly on our dating of the first use of the small unit codes. To me it seems they began being applied to a/c in early 1943. And, on an Me 410 captured in November 1943, an RCAF intelligence report gave the height of the unit code letters as 3 inches, which I thought to be rather small, but then he was there and I wasn't. But, this difference in dates wouldn't affect the Bf 110s you are interested in since those small codes would definitely be in use in 1944.

What I find interesting is that, in spite of the fact that this is an excellent way to give rough timing to a/c photos, no order has yet been found that details the painting of the small unit codes. And one would certainly have been issued.

[John Vasco]

Sorry George, I believe I was shooting off the top of my head. I think it was based on the odd photo of an aircrew known to have been KIA on a certain date being beside an a/c with the small codes. I willingly stand corrected.

All the best to you George, I'll be in touch soon.

John V.

[George Hopp]

At this point, John, I think it's a bit of a guess for everyone because we don't have a copy of the original orders on this. And, they must have been sent to all flying units for actioning, so there must be a copy somewhere.

All the best, John,
George