Identification of photos of KGrzbV 5 He 111s

[Pawel Burchard]

Hello, just received some photographs of K.Gr.z.b.V. 5 (purchased on ebay). Similar to the ones sold some month ago. I'll be putting them on the web accompanying KTB of the Gruppe but would like to try to identify the birds in questions.

The first one is L5+BB (probably H-6 or H-5) after being hit by Flak in the rear fuselage. Possibly after belly landing. There is a date written in the place of damage - 1.9.1942.

Second one is W.Nr. 4720, probably L5+N... or L5+M... and this machine also show signs of Flak damage in the fuselage. Date is unknown but possibly well into 1943 as the code L5 is written in small letters.

with kind regards,
Pawel

[RT]

A 4720 was slightly damaged with Tgr.10 on 15 april 43, in september 42 or aug. 42 just 2 he111 damaged one by landing the other by start, I will drop you all the losses I hv for this unit

remi

[Pawel Burchard]

Thanks Remi, before becoming I./K.G. 55, the Gruppe was renamed for a short period as T.Gr. 10 - although it is not entirely clear to me yet.

regards,
Pawel

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Pawel,

Here's a bit of info reference the re-designations of KGrzbV 5 (info supplied by Lorenz on the Feldgrau forum).

01May43: KGrzbV 5 was ordered renamed TGr. 10, which in turn became I./KG 55 on or about 10 June 1943.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Pawel Burchard]

Andy, the unit KTBs should give a definitive answer. And I think they're available for the entire period in question. Early in March 1943 the Gruppe was still K.Gr.z.b.V. 5 with He 111H-6 and H-11 as stated in KTB Nr. 9 of III./K.G. 55.

regards,
Pawel