JU87 noctural operations over UK, 1941

[obdl3945]

Good morning, all...

Can anyone help me, please? In Smith and Gallaspy's Luftwaffe Camouflage & Markings, Volume 2, 1935-45 (Kookaburra), on page 29, there is a photograph of a Junkers Ju87B with black undersides, and carrying the old Trägergruppe 186 unit emblem, although by this time, the aircraft shown was part of 7.Staffel/Stukageschwader 1. It also carries the legend Boulogne on the port side of the engine cowling. Another publication states that another aircraft from this unit carried the legend Lee-on-Solent on the cowling, and this unit was apparently used over the south east of England early in 1941 on noctural missions, and was based in the Oostende area in Belgium. I am intrigued by this, especially given the Ju87's demise over Britain during the Battle of Britain. I have also never heard of them being used in this manner at this time before. Is anyone able to confirm their use in this role, and/or provide additional photos? My thanks in advance if you can.

Regards...

[brewerjerry]

Hi
I myself tried a little research on this sometime back, There is something in the after the battle blitz books, about the raids, and also in the old airfix JU-87 book.
unfortunately my notes are still packed, perhaps others here can answer more.
cheers
Jerry

[Boomerang]

Hello:

I checked Peter Smith's Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and this states that Stukas of StG 1 carried out night ops against English targets in early 1941. To paraphase some of the key points:

• aircraft painted black
• initial ops against London and Dover 15/16 Jan 41
• further ops against London and naval dockyard at Chatham in Jan and Feb 41
• further night ops against Dover, Margate and Ramsgate in Sept and Oct 41 - aircraft with black undersides

Unfortunately no photos, but at least this information confirms these night ops were a reality. No doubt others can provide more substantial data. Good luck!

Cheers

Don (Boomerang)

[obdl3945]

Boomerang and Brewerjerry...

Gents, thanks for the information... much appreciated...