Werner Altrogge

[Larry deZeng]

Some interesting background re Altrogge's unit:

14./KG 6

Formation and History. (Aug 42 - Oct 42)
Formed on or about 31 August 1942 at Paris-Orly (ex-Höhenkampfkommando/Versuchsstelle für Höhenflüge, also known as Einsatzkommando Ju 86). Continuing the experimental work of its predecessor (see there), this tiny detachment, now elevated to the status of a Staffel without any increase in size, was equipped with 2 or 3 Junkers Ju 86R high altitude bombers that were assigned the task of evaluating the effectiveness of bombing targets in England from extreme heights - upwards of 40,000 feet (12,186 meters). By the time of the re-designation (31 Aug) the experiment was nearly over and this, together with the fact that a special flight of high-altitude Spitfires became operational during the first half of Sep, brought an end in early Oct to the occasional Ju 86R raids flown by the Staffel, these usually by a single aircraft. Disbanded at Paris-Orly at the beginning of Oct with the Ju 86Rs and personnel returning to Oranienburg near Berlin. No evidence has been found to substantiate the claim that this Staffel was reestablished in Feb 1943 by renaming 3./KG 6, as alleged in some published sources.

FpN: (L 49620)

Staffelkapitan:
Lt. Erich Sommer? (DKG) (c 31 Aug 42 - Oct 42)

© H.L. deZeng IV, 2003