schulstaffel during bob?

[jim norton]

hi,

in early 1941, in the last days of battle of britain, gqm show some losses for schulstaffel/kg26. were these crews non-combat-crews? what did they do in france?

thanks in advance
jim

[Chris Goss]

I mention this in my latest book-some records say Schulestaffel, some 10 Staffel but they did fly operationally. Lt Claus Conrad lost to 264 Sqn on 10 Apr 41 was one. His markings indicate his ac was Stab III/KG 26

[jim norton]

hi chris,

yes, i´ve seen this. most of the losses have 1h+_d-codes indicating stabIII./26. but for what reason? and when they did not fly operationally why was lt. claus conrad victim of a night-fighter-attack?

all the best
jim

[Chris Goss]

I cannot be sure but some Geschwadern used Stab crews for different reasons like KG 51 whose Stab was some times called their Aufkl. Scharm. III/KG 26 was the Y Gerät Gruppe so maybe this was the function of Stab III-operational training?

Yes, Conrad was shot down by a night fighter

[jim norton]

hi chris,

many kampfgeschwaders had aufkl.staffels in their geschw.stab especially during 1939/40. that isn´t really amazing. it is only confusing that a stab would be home for new but also experienced crews for training. this was the job of the erg.staffel, wasn´t it? luftwaffe seems to be always a mistery.

all the best
jim