Question about III./JG 53 in July 1941

[oquaig]

Hi guys,




It is a puzzling to me about what III./JG 53 was doing between 16 thru 22 July 1941. It was based at Kamary 14 km west of Vitebsk along with II./JG 52 during this period of time. It had no claims for VVS aircraft shot down and lost 3 aircraft shot down/written off during this period and II./JG 52 filed 8 claims for this period. This knowledge and the loss of aircraft tells a story of activity....but every account I have read glosses over this period of time. Was the group (III./JG 53) flying patrols over the quieter sectors to the north and north-east (Veliki-Luki/Toropets) ? Escort duty for I. And III. St.G 2 (which were active supporting 19 Panzer Division in the fighting at Veliki-Luki) ? Any comments....


Thanks
Oquaig