BF110 lost 20.12.1943

[keith A]

I am looking for details on a Bf110 losses in combat on this date. The Bf110s were attacking an 8th AF bomber stream and encountered 354th FG USAAF.

I assume they were either G-2 models of G-4s without NF radar?

regards

Keith

[Bruce Lander]

Hi Kieth,
from my notes:-

Bf.110G-2 (6414) Black 2 2/ZG.26
Bf.110G-2 (5240) Black 7 2/ZG.26
Bf.110G-2 (????) Yellow 11 3/ZG.26
Bf.110G-2 (5631) Yellow ? 3/ZG.26

354Th F.G. claimed 2;1;1 Bf.110's
and
56th F.G. claimed 1 Bf.110 & 1 Do.217 (?)

Quite a lot of claims and losses noted for Bf.109's and FW.190's of JG.26; JG.3 and JG.54

the only other 2 engined A/c claimed were a Ju.88 of 1/KG.6 shot down nr Lille by 3 pilots of 401 Sq (RCAF) and a Do.217 by 2 pilots of 411 SQ(RAF) nr Brussels

Cheers
Bruce Lander

[Rottler]

Hello Keith,

on December 20, 1943 the three groups of the ZG 26 claimed 4 B-17 and
1 B-24.
According to the GenQu. loss reports the ZG 26 lost 9 aircraft, 11 crew members were killed.

I./ZG 26
5 Bf 110 G-2 (120024, 120116, 5240, 5631, 6414)

II./ZG 26
3 Me 410 A-1 (1002 (?), 10022, 420087)

III./ZG 26
1 Bf 110 G-2 (120164).

Regards
Leo

[keith A]

Many thanks Bruce and Leo, I was looking for a claim by Major Don Blakeslee and it seems he shot down a Bf110G-2 of I/ZG76.