Eagle Days: Life and Death for the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain

[John Vasco]

Chapter 5 read

The Western Campaign from 10th May.

Page 79: 'The Bf 110 Zerstörer (Destroyer) - a twin-engined fighter that had previously seen great success in Poland, Denmark and Norway - numbered around 350 at the beginning of Case Yellow; by the start of Dynamo, its units had lost more than 40 per cent of the operationally ready Bf 110s.'

So, 40% of 350 = 140 Bf 110s LOST.

The start of Case Yellow was 10th May; the start of 'Dynamo' was 26th May, so the pertinent dates are 10th May to 25th May.

The information I have regarding losses & damaged encompassing those two dates is as follows:
70 Bf 110s 100% write off
26 Bf 110s damaged but repairable
7 Bf 110s damaged state not known.

My loss/damage figures for Bf 110s from 10th May to 25th May include those in the far north of Europe, not involved in the Western Camapign.
Even allowing for a certain number being under service on 10th May (and therefore not 'combat-ready'), the statement of 40% losses is simply wrong. 140 Bf 110 losses, or thereabouts, is totally incorrect. The reference for this information is 'Ibid', and given there are copious entries in 'Further notes and References', I haven't a clue who she is referencing for this information.
What annoys me is that people will read this kind of thing and take it as 'gospel' because Dr. Taylor has written it.

In this chapter it's the same old same old. Quotes from unknown soldiers, the odd quote from aircrew. Battle of Britain? Don't be silly...