German Air Force

"Horst Wessel" in Sicily

Messerschmitt Bf 110 of the Luftwaffe’s Zerstörergeschwader 26 (ZG 26) "Horst Wessel" in maintenance on a Sicilian airfield. Notice the nose compartment weapons open and, in background, a multi-engine Italian aircraft (S.81?). The aircraft is a Bf 110C/D of the 9. Staffel of the III Gruppe (III./ZG 26). The III./ZG 26, as part of X. Fliegerkorps (10th German Air Corps), was the Bf 110 unit deployed in Sicily. The X. Fliegerkorps order of battle 12 January 1941 specify the III./ZG 26 based at Palermo with 34 Bf 110D-3 on strength, 16 of them completely serviceable. On 22 February 1941 the strength of III./ZG 26, again at Palermo, is increased to 40 Bf 110D-3, full serviceable 31. On 22 March 1941 the 9. Staffel, 15 aircraft, 11 full serviceable, is the only unit of the “Horst Wessel” in Sicily, while the entire III./ZG 26 is already in North Africa. The III./ZG 26, except the 7. Staffel still in North Africa, will return in Sicily, at Trapani, on January 1942 as part of the Luftfotte 2. Victor Sierra