KG40, North Africa

[obdl3945]

Hi, Bill...

Harold Thiele's book Luftwaffe Aerial Torpedo Aircraft and Operations in World War Two (Hikoki) gives some information under that date. The entry states:

"According to OKW reports on 27 & 30 November, German bombers and torpedo aircraft successfully attacked a heavily protected large convoy off the Algerian coast on 26th and sank four transports totalling 50,000GRT as well as two destroyers. Further ships were claimed to have been damaged. This attack was carried out against convoy KMF.26 and involved He111s, Ju88s, Do217s, He177s and Fw200s. Apart from the troop ship 'Rohna' (8,600GRT), which was sunk by an Hs293 glider bomb, no confirmation of the other claims can be found. Six He177s, four Ju88s and two He111s were lost."

In addition, Nick Beale's Kampfflieger, Vol.4 (Classic colours) relates that an attack was made on 'Annex' (convoy codename?) on 26 November by KG26 He111s and missile-carrying Do217s from II.Gruppe/KG100 and that they were reinforced by He177s and Fw200s from KG40. A prisoner stated that III.Gruppe/KG26 arrived late and in bad weather, so returned home, but suffered five of their Ju88s crashing on their return to base. The convoy was protected by American, British and French fighters and II.Gruppe KG40 lost six He177s for their efforts, but sank troopship 'Rohna' with the loss of more than 1,000 lives in addition to US soldiers and Red Cross personnel on board.

Perhaps this will be useful to you.

Regards...

Paul