KGr.z.b.V. 999
KGr. z.b.V. 999
Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 999
(Unit Code: used factory codes)
Formation. (Dec 41)
Formed December 1941 at either Kraków/S Poland or in Germany (East Prussia?), but the exact date and place are not known. The Gruppe was assigned this unusual number, it is said, because it was originally intended that it be used to supply the Heer’s (Army’s) punishment units deployed in the Balkans and in North Africa. These units all carried the number “999”. This explanation seems a bit farfetched, but no other has been found. Air crew comprised instructor personnel from a number of FFS C (multi-engine) and BFS (instrument) schools along with Ju 52 transports taken from various units, schools and Luftwaffe establishments. Organizationally, KGr.z.b.V. 999 had a Gruppenstab and four Staffeln (1. – 4.).[1]
Central and North Russia. (Dec 41 - Apr 42)
25 Dec 41: Gruppe arrived at Kraków/S Poland and then departed on 1 January - no further details.[2]
Jan – Feb 42: although direct evidence is lacking, it is believed that the Gruppe was used to transport reinforcements, equipment and supplies to hard-pressed German forces on both the central and northern sectors of the Eastern Front during January and the first half of February.
3 Jan 42: 3. Staffel Ju 52 reported damaged in an accident, probably in East Prussia (entry illegible), 15%.[3]
19 Feb 42: transferred to North Russia on or about this date to take part in the Demyansk airlift operation. This was a massive effort to fly supplies to II. Armeekorps with 6 divisions totaling 95,000 men that had become encircled on 9 February when Soviet II Guards Rifle Corps cut the last German supply road and the encirclement of the Demyansk pocket was virtually completed. The official, formal start date of the Demyansk airlift was on 12 February. With airlift headquarters at Pskov, 15 transport groups were eventually assembled for the operation, many of the Ju 52s and other aircraft coming from hastily mobilized school assets as well as the active Transportgruppen.[4]
Mar 42: the extent of the Gruppe’s losses during the Demyansk airlift operation are not known, although they were probably significant due to the severe weather conditions and enemy action in and around the pocket.
27 Feb 42: Ju 52 bombed on the ground at Demyansk, 100%, 1 KIA and 2 WIA.
31 Mar 42: one Staffel identified at Ostrov/50 km S of Pskov.[5]
Apr 42: disbanded and assets returned to the multi-engine and instrument schools.[6]
FpN:Gruppenstab (L 41963)
1. Staffel (L 42137)
2. Staffel (L 43528)
3. Staffel (L 44315)
4. Staffel (L 44747)
Kommandeur:
Obstlt. Adolf Jäckel (R) (Dec 41 - Apr 42)
Also see:
DREHER, Richard Alexander Wilhelm, Hptm.
FUISTING, Hans-Ehrenfried, Lt. Pilot.
SLAWIG, August, Maj. MIA.
© by Henry L. deZeng IV (Work in Progress, 2022).
(1st Draft 2022)
References
- ↑ G.Tessin-Tes.
- ↑ BA-MA Freiburg: RL 20/281-84.
- ↑ BA-MA Freiburg: RL 2 III Meldungen über Flugzeugunfälle…..(Loss Reports – LRs).
- ↑ F.Morzik-German Air Force Airlift Operations:137-175.
- ↑ NARA WashDC: RG 242/T-311 Heeresgruppe Nord document.
- ↑ F.Morzik-German Air Force Airlift Operations:404; G.Tessin-op cit.; Kannapin: Feldpostübersicht.
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