KG 200 B-17 Losses February 1945

[Nick Beale]

The following books discuss the operations by captured B-17s:

Hans-Heiri Stapfer: Strangers in a Strange (Squadron/Signal Publications Inc., 1988)

Günther W. Gellermann: Moskau Ruft Heeresgruppe Mitte (Bernhard & Graefe Verlag, 1988)

Geoffrey J. Thomas & Barry Ketley: KG 200, the Luftwaffe’s Most Secret Squadron (Hikoki Publications Ltd., 2003)

I remember, long ago, seeing a photo of the B-17 at Sonthofen in either Flugzeug or Jet&Prop magazine but I can't remember which issue it was.

These are deciphered Luftwaffe messages that mention German use of the B-17:

KV 612

Berlin approval given by 8th [April 1944] for ferrying and test flight of a Baker one seven from (strong indications Athens) to Finsterwalde at 1850 feet on direct course.

KV 2749

I./KG 200 addressed on 30th [April 1944] at Kalamaki. Mention made that arrival of aircraft A3+CE indefinitely delayed owing one engine change. Secondly, I./KG 200 addressed (strong indications Berlin area) on 26th. Comment: this Gruppe specialises in dropping agents.

KV 3973

According GAFSE on 10th [May 1944] English and American parachutes to be safeguarded when found as they were urgently needed for operations by Axis agents.

KV 4136

On 10th [May 1944], a communication concerning Russian radio beacons addressed to airfield Rosioride Vede (comment: about 65 miles WSW Budapest) for I./KG 200 (comment: addressed Kalamaki on 13 April).

HP 5142

According to 7 JD early 31st [October 1944]: a Boeing 17 with captured aircraft marking to be ferried from Rangsdorf to Echterdingen at 13.00 hours. It would probably take off on operations at 16.00/November 1st, crossing front about 17 hours on a level with Belfort, returning on 2nd about 03.30 hours, flying back over front at same place. Any changes in times owing weather would be advised.