In May, 1939, did III./KG257 become III./KG26?

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

In working with the conversion tables in the "Luftwaffe Colours" "Kampfflieger" Vol I, I find no redesignation of III./KG257 listed for the spring of 1939. The other KG257 units became Gr. in KG26, but none was listed for III./KG257. Does anyone know if that unit was renamed III./KG26?

Thanx,

[Peter D Evans]

On page 263 of "Luftwaffe Codes Markings and Units 1939-45" Barry Rosch has III Gruppenstab KG257 as being formed in March'37 and later becoming Stab IV./KG152 in February'38...

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

[Doug Stankey]

III./KG 257 became IV./KG 152 on 1 October 1937. There was no III./KG 257 by 1939.

III./KG 26 (first formation) was formed on 1 November, 1939 from cadres from I. and II./KG 26 although it was soon redesignated as KGr. 126 on 20 February, 1940.

III./KG 26(second formation) was formed 20 February 1940 by the redesignation of I./KG 28 (first formation).

III./KG 26 (third formation ) was formed 15 December 1941 by the redesignation I./KG 28 (second formation).

Confusing, isn't it?