ZG76 in Jersey?

[Grey Wolf]

According to one book I've read, during the Battle of Britain Messerschmitt Bf 110Cs of ZG76 were operating out of the airport in Jersey, Channel Islands. However, I can't find any other definite confirmation, either in books about the Occupation of the Channel Islands or unit histories of ZG76.

The only other evidence I have is a single undated photograph of a lone Bf 110, supposedly at Jersey Airport. The camouflage scheme is light with dark mottling. The first letter of markings is partially obscured by the tail, but is probably an O or D. Otherwise it reads E [national cross] UG.

Could anyone confirm that part of ZG76 was based in Jersey? If so, has anyone got more specific details about which part of ZG76, the probable paint schemes and markings etc? Or if it wasn't, who the Bf 110 was likely to belong to? Any information would be gratefully received.

[Chris Goss]

ZG 76 forward refuelled in the Channel Islands. For example, 15 Aug 40 and 6/ZG 76

[Grey Wolf]

Thanks. However, since the aircraft in the photo lacks the 'M8' designation, am I right in thinking that it is not a ZG76 Bf 110?

[Chris Goss]

Without a date, it could be any number of units. For example, pilots of 1/JG 53 were sent to Guernsey to pick up tomatoes as the St Kap liked tomatoes so this aircraft could be there on a non-op mission

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

ZG 76 forward refuelled in the Channel Islands. For example, 15 Aug 40 and 6/ZG 76

also JG 53 TOO.
GARY

[Grey Wolf]

Thank you - much appreciated.

[cheesey]

Hello Grey Wulf.

You may be interested in the following?

According to the book 'Zerstorer:The Me 110 and its units in 1940', elements of ZG 76 operated from Jersey as follows.

12th August, 1940. III./ZG76 under Haupt. Dickore flew on a 'Freiejagd' sortie from the island.

13th August (Adler Tag), 1940. III./ZG76 moved forward from Laval to Jersey during the morning and at midday flew escort to Stukas.

Also there is the following incident.

23rd August, 1940. Bf 110C-? of II./ZG76 had a taxiing accident at Jersey aerodrome. 40% damage with no crew injured! I have a photo of the damaged a/c scanned from a local publication.

I also have a scanned photo of a young Luftwaffe crewman posing infront of a 110 which, it is claimed, was taken at Jersey during 1940.

The mysterious 110 which has been mentioned with odd lettering would appear to be a factory fresh example complete with its Stammkennzeichen (factory/delivery codes) still visible. This a/c was photographed by a local chap on the southern section of the airfield. It is out in the open and no attempt was made by the Germans to hide it! Was it being delivered to one of the Zerstorer units in Jersey?

On page 45 of Osprey's 'Zerstorer aces of WWII' there is a air-to-air photo of 110's supposedly showing them flying over a Channel Island coastal scene. As a local (Jersey) I should be able to recognise the place but I can't. I have a feeling that it might be Guernsey (?).

I'm pretty sure that both Jersey & Guernsey were being used by ZG76 as forward bases but there was no permanent presence here.

I hope some of this helps.

Steve.