Me Bf 109's over Normandy 8 July 1944

[schnellmeyer]

Can anybody please tell me if any Luftwaffe units using Me Bf 109's were operating around the Caen area in Normandy on July 8th, 1944 ? Thanks

[Chris Goss]

Over Normandy not specifically Caen, JG 301, NAG 13 and NAG 14 reported casualties but only 19 Sqn from the RAF side claimed Bf 109s. USAAF claimed five and a number damaged but south of the beachhead. Maybe you need to be more specific in your query as lots were going on!

[schnellmeyer]

Hi Chris, on July 8th 1944 elements of SS Panzer Regiment 12 Hitlerjugend were moving in the direction of the Abbey Ardenne in Normandy . From an account there is mention of air cover by Luftwaffe Bf 109's, just want to see if this is true or not, thanks.

[Stephen M. Fochuk]

I would say it is very likely they had cover. See page 299 of The JG 26 War Diary Volume II by Donald Caldwell. Ultra will most likely be your concrete source.

Which elements are you referring to? According to Craig Luther, the 12 SS were starting to evacuate the Abbey and area.

Stephen

[schnellmeyer]

Thanks for your help Stephen, the unit I am researching is the 3 Panzer Kompanie HJ who were commanded by my late friend Rudolf von Ribbentrop. One of the veterans from 3 Kompanie mentioned Bf109's around the Abbey Ardenne at this time.