Unit identification for this aircraft

[oquaig]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to identify the unit this aircraft belonged to: Heinkel He 111 H-4 WNr. 3243 reported lost on 07.08.1941


Thanks in advance
oquaig

[Matti Salonen]

I have 3./KG 53.


Matti

[Rottler]

Hi oquaig,

in the Gen.Qu. loss return 11 Aug 1941 item 2 is listed:
7.8. 3./KG 26 Feindflug, Ort: Orscha, Ursache: Bauchlandung nach Feindbeschuss, He 111 H-4 3243 40%.

Regards
Leo

[Jim P.]

And later in Jan-43 with KGr.z.b.V. 5.

[Merlin]

There is a typing error for the unit in the GQM loss return for the above accident. I./KG 26 was in Finland at that time whereas the whole KG 53 was based at Orscha.

[JoMe]

Hi all

3./KG 26 is actually given in the GQM loss list.
I suspect that in this case the squadron and group designition were mixed up and that it should read correctly: III./KG 26.
At this time, III./KG 26 was not in Orscha, but in Bobruisk. Since the machine had to make an emergency landing as a result of bullet damage, I think this unit is very likely.

best wishes
JoMe

[oquaig]

Hi Everyone,

I am inclined to Matti Salonen's info for two reasons: first I./KG. 53 was based at Orsha at this time and second III./KG. 26 was flying the H5y or H6 model at this time. The first four losses for III./KG. 26 in the east were H6 aircraft. JoMe and Merlin are very likely correct about this being a typo: not 3./KG26 but III./KG26.


Thank you for all the input !

oquaig