Aufkl. Gr. 122 Mar 1943

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1 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 left Decimo at 08.30 hrs on a reconnaissance sortie to the sea area north of the Algerian coast between Cello and just west of Algiers, at 09.25 hrs north of Cello the crew sighted a convoy of light naval forces, consisting of 6 vessels, on a south-westerly heading at high speed. When off Algiers the crew reported contact with a Spitfire.[1]

A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 that had left Decimo at 12.25 hrs for a reconnaissance sortie for coastal shipping approx 75 km off the Algerian coast between Bone and Algiers. At 13.53 hrs at a point midway between Bougie and Algiers the crew reported sighting five destroyers travelling at high speed. The aircraft landed back at Decimo at 16.40 hrs.[2]

3 Ju 88s of 2.(F)/122 operated off the east coast of Tunisia, all having landed by 15.00 hrs.[3]

2 Mar 1943 – 1.(F)/122 Ju 88 left Decimo at 07.55 hrs landing back there at 13.15 hrs having operated as far west as Oran.[4]

3 Ju 88s of 2.(F)/122 operated off the east coast of Tunisia, they were recorded as being active between 06.10 and 14.50 hrs. One aircraft broke off its sortie at 11.45 hrs, another reported “fighters passed” at 12.27 hrs and one of the aircraft was operating over the Gulf of Hammamet at 14.48 hrs.[5]

A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo at 11.40 hrs for a coastal reconnaissance sortie to North Africa covering Bougie, Bone and Philippeville. 3 vessels reported in Bone harbour, 4 vessels in Bone with a destroyer leaving the harbour. The aircraft landed back at Decimo at 14.40 hrs.[6]

An Me 210 of 2.(F)/122 was flown on a morning photo reconnaissance sortie to Bougie and Bone. Reported 3 vessels in Bone harbour.[7]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
2 Mar 1943 3(F)./122 Ju 88D-1 Damaged at Amsterdam-Schiphol, 10%.

3 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 left Decimo at 08.00 hrs for a reconnaissance sortie to the Algerian coast covering Bone; Bougie and Algiers. No sightings were made and the aircraft landed at 14.10 hrs.[8]

2.(F)/122 sent a Me 210 on a photo reconnaissance sortie to Philippeville, the task was carried out.[9]

2.(F)/122 also sent a Ju 88 to photograph Bone harbour – this was successfully carried out at 13.00 hrs.[10]

4 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 was sent out on a morning sortie to the Algerian coast – part of the sortie was unsuccessful due to adverse weather conditions.[11]

4.(F)/122 sent a Ju 88 on a sortie across the Black Sea, this aircraft was lost in combat – for details of this combat, collated by Evgeniy Puryushin, see this link.

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
4 Mar 1943 4(F)./122 Ju 88 F6+NM Failed to return from a sortie across the Black Sea towards Batumi, Georgia, shot down in combat with three LaGG-3s from 35th IAP and two Yak-1s from 25th IAF. The aircraft crash landed on the sea 42km from Batumi. 100%,4 crew – Uffz. Heinz Görgen (F), Lt. z. S. Siegfried Lasek (B), Uffz. Hans Sendelweck (Bf) and Uffz. Ernst Friedrich (Bs) all MIA.[12]

5 Mar 1943 – an aircraft of 4.(F)/122 photographed Krasnodar I airfield (Ziel Nr. SU 10 648).[13] On the same sortie this aircraft also photographed Krasnodar II (Ziel Nr. SU 10 412).[14]

1.(F)/122 sent out a Ju 88 at 06.30 hrs from Decimo to the Alboran Sea, a convoy was sighted but its course and speed could not be established due to the interference of the convoy’s fighter escort.[15]

A Ju 88 of 2.(F)/122 was recorded in the Misurata – Tripoli area and off the east coast of Tunisia – at 06.08 this crew reported a convoy of 13 vessels on a westerly heading north - west of Misurata. This aircraft landed around 08.10 hrs.[16]

2 Ju 88s of 2.(F)/122 were operating off the Libyan coast and reported 12 vessels on a course of 270º about 20 kms north of Khoms. These aircraft had landed by 15.30 hrs.[17]


6 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo at 05.50 hrs for the Alboran Sea and North African Coast returning to land at Decimo at 12.45 hrs. Nothing was sighted.[18]

At 07.20 hrs a Ju 88 from 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo for the North African coast between Bone and Algiers before returning to land at 11.35 hrs. Again nothing was sighted.[19]

A third Ju 88 from 1.(F)/122 sortied to the western Mediterranean. This aircraft sent an SOS message at 16.00 hrs. Its last known position was 03E 3885 which is approx 20 km from the Algierian coast NW of Dellys.[20] 5 Ju 88s from III./KG 26 flew a sea rescue sortie for this missing aircraft – however, the sortie was abandoned when it was realised that these aircraft would have arrived at the last known position (03E 3885) after dark.[21]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
6 Mar 1943 1(F)./122 Ju 88D-1trop F6+EH 43549[22] Failed to return from sortie to the vicinity of Algiers, intercepted by 48 Sqdn Spitfires 20km from Cap Djinet – crashed into the sea, crew seen to have bailed out. [23] 100%, Oblt. Alois Kiefer (F), Uffz. Fritz Hild (B), Fw Helmut Scheuner (Bf) and Uffz. Heinrich Müller (Bs) all MIA.[22]

7 Mar 1943 – 3(F)./122 at Schipol reported the following strength:- 8 Ju 88D-1, 4 Ju 88D-5 and a single Fw 58C-2.[24]

A Ju 88 (F6+BH) from 1.(F)/122 took off for the western Mediterranean at 04.00 hrs but had returned by 06.00 hrs having suffered damage to its undercarriage. No further sorties took place that day due to a lack of serviceable aircraft.[25]

4.(F)/122 photographed the airfield at Krasnodar I (Ziel Nr. SU 10 648, location 38º 57’ 0” E 45º 05’ 0” N). The photos were taken at 4000m.[26]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
7 Mar 1943 4(F)./122 He 111 Crashed on take-off from Fp.Sarabus, 90%. Uffz. Paul Rauber (F), Lt. Heinz Bösand (B), Gefr. Ludwig Lenzer (Bf) and Gefr. Gerhard Müller (Bs) all killed. [27]

8 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 (F6+LH) departed Decimo at 05.46 hrs to perform a coastal reconnaissance from Cap des Trois Fourches east to Algiers and then returned to Decimo, landing at 12.25 hrs. At 10.45 hrs near Algiers this crew sighted 4 vessels on a south westerly course.[28]

A further Ju 88 (F6+NH) departed Decimo at 12.30 hrs for a coastal reconnaissance of the Algerian coast from near Oran to Algiers. The route to the target arera took the aircraft south of the Balearics to near the Cabo de Gata, on the Spanish coast near Almeria, before turning onto it’s return leg along the Algerian coast. An east bound convoy had been reported by a submarine but this was not picked up by 16.00 hrs. However, at 16.52 hrs near Algiers, a convoy of 9 vessels with 4 escorts was encountered on a course of 260º travelling slowly. Spitfires and Tomahawks were sighted on two occasions during the flight along the coast.[29]

9 Mar 1943 – Ju 88 (F6+CH) of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo at 03.40 hrs for an early morning photo reconnaissance of the Algerian coast west of Algiers in the direction of Oran. At 06.40 hrs in Pl.Qu. 03 E 0754 eight transports and six escorts were sighted heading east at high speed. In addition a further convoy was sighted in Pl.Qu. 13 W 1783, this consisted of 37 vessels with12 escorts; also travelling east but at medium speed. The photo reconnaissance task was carried out successfully, however the aircraft had to break-off from the sortie owing to the failure of the starboard engine.[30]

Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo at 08.55 hrs, its route took in the Mediterranean Sea north of Algiers; sighted a convoy approximately 25 km north of Tenes (reported as 7 motor vessels and 4 escorts heading east at high speed). At some point the sortie was broken off due to engine trouble. The plane returned to Decimo via Cape Palos (Cartegena); travelled north of Ibiza/Formentera; then past Majorca and finally landed back at Decimo at 14.45 hrs.[31]

A Ju 88 of 2.(F)/122 (F6+NK), operating on behalf of 1.(F)/122, took-off from Decimo at 14.55 hrs, again for the Algerian coast. At 16.55 hrs the crew reported three vessels and 3 destroyers entering Algiers harbour. At 18.05 hrs a convoy, of approximately 30 units, was sighted in Pl.Qu. 03 E 1717 with a course of 30º and travelling at a low speed. This aircraft shadowed the convoy for a while, returning to land at Decimo at 20.50 hrs.[32]

3(F)./122 had F6+DL out for a morning sortie from Schiphol to the Lincs and Norfolk coasts. This crew reported sighting a convoy of 20 merchant ships (it is believed that the convoy concerned was FS 58 southbound).[33]

F6+FL, also from Schiphol and 3(F)./122, operated an evening sortie to the same area and was down by 19.40 hrs.[34]

10 Mar 1943 – At 04.05 hrs a Ju 88 (F6+TH) of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo for a flight that took in Oran and the Alboran Sea. The seach was detailed but only picked up a single vessel of 5000 t in Pl.Qu. 13 W 3785, there were no other sightings. This aircraft landed at Decimo at 10.27 hrs. A second aircraft (F6+CK) of 2.(F)/122, but operating on behalf of 1.(F)/122, was due to fly the same sortie but did not take off due to engine trouble.[35]

A further Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 0departed at 11.30 hrs for Algiers and Bone, returning to Decimo at 15.45 hrs.[36]

F6+KL of 3(F)./122 (Schiphol) was out for a midday sortie to the Lincolnshire coast. At 12.43 hrs Z the crew reported on the weather conditions and the fact that there had been no sightings.[37]

F6+EL, also from 3(F)./122, was out for a flight north from Schiphol, at 13.45 hrs Z the crew reported on the weather conditions. This crew also were charged with keeping a watch over local minefields. F6+CL was up for a similar sortie in the early evening, landing by 18.59 hrs Z.[38]

12 Mar 1943 – 4(F)./122 sent an aircraft to photograph the seaplane bases to the south of Gelendshik Bucht (Gelendzhik Bay) – these were Seeflugplatz Gelendshik III and Seeflughafen Gelendshik IV. (target code 97 21021, Pl.Q. 44 85371.).[39]

4(F)./122 also photographed the airfield at Alder (Target code SU 10 3735, Pl Qu. 34 Ost 94634).[40] Krasnodar I was also photographed by 4.(F)/122 from 7500m (Ziel Nr. SU 10 648, location 38º 57’ 0” E 45º 05’ 0” N).[41]

13 Mar 1943 – 4(F)./122 sortie to photograph Armawir I in Krasnodar[42]The airfield was located south of the town and possessed a hard runway of 1050m in length.

An aircraft of 4(F)./122 also photographed the railway yards at Gulkewitschi (Gulkevichi) (target code SU 97 21129, 45 N 40E)[43]

It was intended that an aircraft of 2.(F)/122 would perform a photo reconnaissance sortie to Bōne (Algeria) – no indication that this sortie was carried out.[44]

A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 departed Decimo at 06.23 hrs Z on a sortie to the western Mediterranean and North African coast. The sortie was disrupted, and broken off, due to several encounters with Allied fighters. At 07.10 hrs Z two fighters were encountered; at 07.39 hrs Z two Lightnings; at 08.45 hrs Z 3 aircraft and at 08.55 hrs Z 2 aircraft. Owing to all of this disruption no shipping was sighted and the aircraft landed back at Decimo at 10.32 hrs Z.[45]

A Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 left Decimo at 07.25 hrs to search for the RN battlegroup including HMS Nelson. The search took place in the western Mediterranean south of the Balearics and as far west as Oran. A|t 10.35 hrs Z at Pl. Qu. 13 W 2622 the crew sighted two Battleships and an Aircraft Carrier with an escort of ten destroyers on an easterly course at medium speed. The aircraft landed back at Decimo at 13.35 hrs Z. No fighters were observed. As a result of this sighting aircraft from KG 26, KG 54 and KG 30 were sent out to locate and attack this battle group – the battle group was not found.3 At 12.20 hrs Z a Ju 88 from 1.(F)/122 on a sortie towards the North African coast west of Bizerte. The flight was broken off due to engine trouble and the aircraft landed back at Decimo at 13.40 hrs Z.[46]

The late afternoon sortie to the western Mediterranean was flown by a Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 that took of from Decimo at 14.42 hrs Z. No sightings were reported – to search was not exhaustive as the weather had turned bad. The aircraft landed back a Decimo at 20.03 hrs Z.[47]

14 Mar 1943 – Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 took off at 05.20 hrs Z from Decimo for a sortie encompassing Cap Spartivento – Bougie – Cap de Fer and then back to Decimo. At 07.20 hrs Z in Pl. Qu. 03 E 5715 the crew sighted 2 merchant ship and 3 escorts on a westerly course at a speed of approx. 11 knots, one of the escorts was dropping depth charges. (This convoy was sighted again at 11.10 hrs Z in Pl. Qu. 03 E 4888). KG 26 operated on the basis of this sighting but failed to locate the convoy. At 09.20 hrs Z the crew reported another convoy, of 2 merchants and 4 escorts, in Pl. Qu. 13 W 1789 heading west at low speed. At 11.05 hrs Z the aircraft encountered a single transport with an air escort heading west in Pl. Qu. 03 E 4874. At 11.30 hrs Z the crew reported 2 transports and an escort of 2 destroyers on an easterly course at medium speen in Pl. Qu. 03 E 6885 – at 11.35 hrs Z the aircraft came under inaccurate AA fire from the destoyers.[48]

Another Ju 88 of 1.(F)/122 left Decimo on an afternoon sortie at 14.20 hrs Z. At 15.40 hrs Z this crew reported the sighting of 3 merchants with a single escort vessel in Pl. Qu. 03 E 7884 on an easterly course at medium speed. KG 26 found and attacked this convoy at 16.20 hrs Z.[49]

15 Mar 1943 - 1.(F)/122 to transfer from Elmas, Sardinia to Catania, Sicily.[50]

2(F)./122 had a number of aircraft out, these were taking part in a sea reconnaissance and shadowing exercise of a convoy sailing from the east in the direction of Tripoli. Aircraft from this unit, Westa 26 and I./KG 54 operated from first light until late in the day. At dusk he convoy was attacked by aircraft from KG 26, LG 1, KG 100, KG 76, KG 77 and II./KG 54.[51]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
15 Mar 1943 ?(F)./122 Me 210A-1 15% damage on take-off in Tunisia[52]

16 Mar 1943 – 2(F)./122 had a Me 210 out on a photo reconnaissance sortie to Tripoli, this task was completed by 14.43 hrs Z. Another aircraft of 2(F)./122, a Ju 88, was believed to have sortied to the east coast of Tunisia and landed by 12.00 hrs Z. [53]

17 Mar 1943 – 1(F)./122, 2(F)./122 and Westa 26 had a total of 8 Ju 88s out on reconnaissance sorties in the area Pl. Qu. 13 E 53 – 93, no sightings were reported. [54]

A Ju 88 (F6+KH) from 1(F)./122 departed Decimo at 18.45 hrs Z to search for a convoy reported west of Oran. No sightings were made and the crew were ordered to return at 22.00 hrs Z, the aircraft landed at 00.20 hrs Z.[55]

18 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 from 1(F)./122 was up at 05.15 hrs Z on the normal morning reconnaissance that encompassed Cape Spartivento. At 06.10 hrs Z the crew sighted a convoy from low altitude (Pl. Qu. 03 E 6851). Due to the convoy being protected by a fighter screen the course, compositions and speed of the convoy could not be ascertained. However, three large motor vessels and two escorts were identified.[56]

19 Mar 1943 – A Ju 88 of 2(F)./122 operated over the central Mediterranean and possibly off the Tunisian coast, reporting the sighting of a hospital ship. The aircraft had landed by 14.15 hrs Z.[57]

20 Mar 1943 – 2(F)./122 despatched a sortie to the Straits of Sicily.

1 Me 210 from 2(F)./122 was to operate a photo reconnaissance sortie to Algiers, this was planned to operate from Sardinia (Elmas?). However, this was not possible as there was only an unserviceable Me 210 at Cidro.[58]

At 05.27 hrs Z a Ju 88 believed to be from 1(F)./122 took off for a reconnaissance sortie to the Western Mediterranean. This aircraft returned and landed at 06.10 hrs Z due to failure of the W/T equipment.[59]

1(F)./122 despatched a sortie to cover Algiers and the Alboran Sea. At 13.17 hrs Z the aircraft landed, the crew had to terminate the mission due to an issue with the pump for the Auxiliary fuel tanks and due to this the sortie had only only extended as far as 2 degrees West.[60]

He 111 of AufklGr 122 took off at 22.00 hrs Z for recce a sortie covering from Pantelleria to the African Coast.[61]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
20 Mar 1943 2(F)./122 Ju 88D-1 F6+BK Failed to return from Pl.Qu.15/13 East, combat with P-38s of 82nd FG – lost over the Scicilian Strait 100%, 4 MIA.*

21 Mar 1943 – 4(F)./122 sent an aircraft to photograph the airfield at Abinskaja.(Abinsk?) (44°54'7" N 38°10'40" E, Pl.Qu. 34 Ost 85151).[62]

1(F)./122 operated the following sorties:-

05.00 – 11.15 hrs Z – to the sea area off Melilla (Spanish city on the North African coast on the Alboran Sea).[63] This operation was to pick up a convoy reported by the Italians on 20 Jan 1943. At 07.35 hrs Z a convoy was sighted in Pl. Qu. 03 E 4877 – this consisted of 12 m/v with 3 escorts and a fighter escort. A Beaufighter was sighted in Pl. Qu. 03 E 4837.[64]

05.52 – 10.05 hrs Z – to the sea area off Algiers. The route taken was: - Decimo – Pl. Qu. 03 E 7857 – 03 E 6858 – 03 E 5845 – 03 E 4869 – 03 E 4857 – 03 E 3842 – 03 E 2845 – 03 E 2884 – Decimo. This was not an exhaustive search as there was a lack of cloud cover coupled with an active fighter defence. No shipping was sighted.[65]

13.05 – 17.37 hrs Z – A Ju 88 from 1(F)./122 operated to the sea area north of Cape Tenes (this is midway between Algiers and Oran).[66] At 15.25 hrs Z in Pl. Qu. 03 E 2721 four destroyers were sighted on a south-easterly course travelling at high speed. This was first thought to be an A/S patrol and then to be the shipping first sighted at 06.56 hrs Z. Shadowing was carried out, there were no other sightings. At 15.27 hrs there was fighter activity off Algiers. On the basis of reports from thois crew torpedo aircraft from KG 26 took off.[67]

An aircraft of 1(F)./122 took off at 19.00 hrs Z on an ASV sortie from Sicily.[68]This was to screen the “Monti” convoy from Allied naval forces that had left Bone on an easterly or north-easterly course.[69]

22 Mar 1943 – 1(F)./122 operated the following sorties:-

05.00 – 11.40 hrs Z - A sortie was flown by a Ju 88 from 1(F)./122 (F6+KH) to the Alboran Sea and Algiers (specifically to Cape Gata – Cape Palos.[70]). Between 08.05 and 08.15 hrs Z, in Pl. Qu. 13 W 2617, a convoy of 12 vessels together with an escort of 8 destroyers was sighted. They were on an easterly course travelling at a speed estimated to be between 11 and 13 knots. Ground control ordered to crew to maintain continuous contact with this convoy.[71]

An aircraft from 1(F)./122 departed Decimo at 06.15 hrs Z for a reconnaissance sortie to Bone and Algiers.[72] No sightings were made and the aircraft was attacked by two fighters in Pl.Qu. 03 E 5713.[73]

14.00 hrs Z single aircraft sortie to Oran.[74]

A Ju 88 from 1(F)./122 took off from Decimo at 14.55 hrs Z to search for the convoy previously sighted at 08.05 hrs Z (see above) in addition the crew were to report on another convoy, reported by an Axis agent to be heading east. At 18.30 hrs Z a convoy was sighted in Pl. Qu. 13 E 2625 heading east at a moderate speed. The second convoy, which should have been located between Oran and Algiers was not located due to deteriorating weather and the arrival of darkness. [75]

23 Mar 1943 – Aircraft from 1(F)./122 currently located in Sardinia were ordered by Fliegerführer Sardinia ordered to transfer to Catania by 11.00 hrs Z 24 Mar 1943. This was to take part in planned operations against Benghazi on 24th and 25th March.[76]

1(F)./122 had 10 aircraft on strength with 1 serviceable.[77]

One aircraft of 1(F)./122 departed at 11.13 hrs on a sortie to Algiers and the Alboran Sea, landing again at 17.05 hrs Z.[78] Algiers Bay and the area including Cap Ivi was covered but no sightings were reported. At 13.50 hrs Z in Pl. Qu. 03 E 1823 a ship was sighted on an easterly course steaming at approximately 18 knots. Between 13.45 and 14.10 hrs Z in the area of PL. Qu. 03 E 0720-2920 the aircraft was chased by two Allied fighters. The crews tasks were, therefore, only partially carried our owing to the fighter defences plus issues with unusable auxiliary tanks. [79]

3(F)./122 had a single aircraft (F6+BL) operating from Schiphol, this aircraft was possibly on a sortie to patrol German Minefields. It was first identified at 08.59 hrs Z and then reported its position as Pl. Qu. 05 E 4660 at 09.00 hrs Z. This aircraft was later plotted as being at 56º 10’ N 04º 00’E at 09.10 hrs Z and 53º 20’ N 03º 00’ E at 10.07 hrs Z. The aircraft had landed by 10.20 hrs Z.[80]

Two further aircraft from 3(F)./122 were operating in the late afternoon/early evening. They were F6+CL and F6+IL on sorties to the southern North Sea. The crew of F6+-CL reported a “line of foam running from west to east – possibly MTBs”, this crew was warned, at 17.51 hrs Z, by ground control regarding Allied fighters. F6+IL – no enemy sightings. Both aircraft were down by 19.20 hrs Z.[81]

24 Mar 1943 – Strength return for 1(F)./122 given as 10 plus 1 attached – 3 were serviceable at Catania plus an additional 2 from 17.00 hrs Z.[82]

25 Mar 1943 – Fliegerführer Sardinia intended recce against unspecified Allied convoys following the return of 1(F)./122.[83]

1(F)./122 reported a strength of 9 aircraft plus 1 attached. 1 serviceable, another serviceable from 17.00 hrs Z, 1 aircraft on ops and another still at Catania.[84]

Two aircraft of 1(F)./122 moved back to Sardinia (presumably from Catania).[85]

1(F)./122 sortie to Cap Palos – Oran area in search of a large convoy that had sailed from Gibraltar, at 07.00 hrs Z, on the 24th. The crew reported sighting a convoy at 12.35 hrs Z in PL. Qu. 13 W 1759 consisting of 31 vessels with an escort of 3 ships heading 120º at low speed. The composition of the convoy could not be exactly established as the aircraft was being chased by defensive fighters. The aircraft departed Decimo at 09.10 hrs Z and returned at 15.47 hrs Z.[86]A further aircraft from 1(F)./122 was given the same task, departing 14.15 hrs. Z, this crew were recalled by ground control owing to deteriorating weather conditions, returning to Decimo at 18.35 hrs Z.[87]

An aircraft of 4.(F)/122 photographed the airfields at Krosnodar I and II. (Krosnodar I – Ziel Nr 10 648, 45.05 N/38.57 E; Krosnodar II – Ziel Nr 10 412, 45.03 N/38.57 E; Pl.Qu. 34 8689).[88]

Date Unit Aircraft Type Code Wkr.No. Notes
25 Mar 1943 4(F)./122 Ju 88D-1 F6+VM 430535[89] Failed to return from a sortie to the P’ot’i-Bat’umi area of Georgia, 100%, 4 MIA.

26 Mar 1943 – 1(F)./122 strength return - total 9 plus 1 attached; only 2 serviceable; 1 on an operational sortie plus 1 aircraft at Catania.[90]

Ju 88 of 1(F)./122 departed 06.15 hrs Z on a recce sortie to cover the outer harbour at Algiers together with the coastal area from Algiers to Bone. Unfortunately, Algiers harbour was not seen due to defending fighters and cloud cover down to 2000m.[91]

A further aircraft of 1(F)./122 took off at 12.15 hrs Z to perform an unspecified task.[92]

27 Mar 1943 – An aircraft of 4(F)./122 photographed the airfield of Armawir I (Armavir) – 41.06.00E/44.58.00N.[93]

An aircraft of 1(F)./122 was up at 04.15 hrs Z to carry out a sea recce between Bone and Algiers returning at 09.00 hrs Z. A further aircraft of the same unit departed at 04.45 hrs Z for a coastal recce covering Algiers to Oran and the Alboran Sea. The aircraft returned at 12.15 hrs Z following an unsuccessful attempt to photograph Algiers Harbour.[94]

Another aircraft of 1(F)./122 departed at 15.00 hrs Z to take over the shadowing of a convoy in the vicinity of Philippeville.[95]

28 Mar 1943 – 4(F)./122 again photographed the airfield at Alder.(target Code SU 10 3735.)[96]

1(F)./122 ordered to take over close escort of Regina convoy with 2 Ju 88 from first light to 15.00 hrs Z.[97] An aircraft of 1(F)./122 departed at 07.30 hrs Z to commence this task.[98]

An aircraft of 1(F)./122 departed 05.20 hrs Z for an off-shore recce covering Algiers to Oran and Alboran Sea, the aircraft returned at 12.30 hrs Z. Another aircraft of the same unit departed at 06.15 hrs Z to cover the sea area Bone to Algiers returning at 10.40 hrs Z.[99]

1(F)./122 sent out a Met recce to Tripoli at 10.00 hrs Z.[100]

An aircraft of 1(F)./122 departed at 10.45 hrs Z for a sortie covering Cap Corbelin to the Alboran Sea, returning at 17.45 hrs Z.[101]

Strength of 1(F)./122 was recorded in the afternoon as 9 aircraft plus one attached with 2 on operations.[102]

2.(F)/122 Ju 88 (F6+OK) departed Trapani at 12.40 hrs on a reconnaissance sortie that was to cover the following harbours – Phillippeville, Bougie and Algiers. The planed flight path was – Trapani – Cap Serrat – and then along the coast from Cap Bougaron to Bone. No shipping traffic was detected. Phillippeville was not checked due to haze and Bone harbour was not inspected due to heavy flak. The aircraft suffered a direct hit from flak on the fusalage, tailplane and rudder. Another hit was to the right wing – the wing fuel tank failed as a result of this. The plane recovered to 1800 m and flew back to Pl.Qu. 03 E/9868 where the crew bailed out, they suffered light injuries.[103]

29 Mar 1943 – An aircraft of 1(F)./122 took off at 05.45 hrs Z for a coastal recce covering Melilla and Cap Palos.[104]

At 13.15 hrs Z an aircraft of 1(F)./122 left for a recce covering Bone to Algiers, returning at 17.30 hrs Z.[105]

Strength return of 1(F)./122 in the afternoon was as follows – 9 aircraft plus 1 attached; 2 plus 1 on operations (1 from 16.00 hrs Z).[106]

An aircraft from 4.(F)/122 photographed the airfield at Salsk I (Ziel Nr 10 3742).[107] An aircraft of 4.(F)/122 photographed the airfields at Krosnodar I and II. (Krosnodar I – Ziel Nr 10 648, 45.05 N/38.57 E; Krosnodar II – Ziel Nr 10 412, 45.03 N/38.57 E; Pl.Qu. 34 8689).[108]

30 Mar 1943 – An aircraft of 1(F)./122 took off at 03.30 hrs Z for an off-shore recce taking in Bone and Algiers, it landed at 07.30 hrs Z. At 05.30 hrs another aircraft of the same unit performed a recce of Algiers, Oran and the Alboran Sea, landing at 13.15 hrs Z. A further aircraft of 1(F)./122 took off at 12.00 hrs Z for a recce encompassing Algiers and Bone.[109]

31 Mar 1943 – 1(F)./122 still noted as at Decimo (Decimomannu).[110]

1.(F)/122 Ju 88 departed Decimomannu for a coastal reconnaissance of the Alboran Sea – Oran and Algiers. No enemy shipping was sighted in the Alboran Sea. The mission was abandoned due to engine problems and the aircraft landed back at Decimomannu at 12.00 hrs.[111]

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References

  1. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  2. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  3. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  4. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  5. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  6. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  7. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  8. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  9. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  10. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  11. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  12. ↑ The circumstances of this battle are known thanks to the historian A.Y. Kuznetsov. It was he who suggested that an aircraft from 4.(F)/122 was shot down. Crew details together with additional aircraft details from Matti Salonen 2018 sheet – however, RL2-III/1187 has Lt. z. S. Lasek whereas Matti has him as Laser. Details of this combat collated by Evgeniy Puryushin – see separate page for this.
  13. ↑ Krasnodar – 02.jpg from LdZIV.
  14. ↑ Krasnodar – 02.jpg from LdZIV.
  15. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  16. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  17. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  18. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  19. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  20. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  21. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Luftwaffe QMG Loss returns 8 Mar 1943 sheet 5 entry 86.
  23. ↑ P238/254/307 of Shores, Christopher et al – Fighters over Tunisia (Neville Spearman) – operations, losses etc
  24. ↑ Rob van den Nieuwendijk by e-mail 23/06/04
  25. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  26. ↑ Target photo via LdZ IV
  27. ↑ Luftwaffe QMG Loss returns 8 Apr 1943 Sheet 17 entry
  28. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  29. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  30. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  31. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  32. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  33. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  34. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  35. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  36. ↑ HW 13/110 via Remi Traconelli.
  37. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  38. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  39. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginningg/citynames-gele-gust/slides/Gelendshik%20II%20IV%20%20007.html
  40. ↑ J. Calvin ftp server targetrussia/citynamesbeginninga/citynames-abascha-ales/slides/Adlert%20%20031.html
  41. ↑ Target photo via LdZ IV.
  42. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginninga/citynames-arc-bak/slides/Armawir%20%20121.html
  43. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginningg/citynames-gele-gust/slides/Gulkewitschi%20%20014.html
  44. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  45. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  46. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  47. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  48. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  49. ↑ HW13/111 via Remi Traconelli.
  50. ↑ A. Arthy, 11 August 2003 – Ultra VM6577
  51. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  52. ↑ Luftwaffe QMG Loss returns7 Apr 1943 sheet 13, entry 190.
  53. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  54. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  55. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  56. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  57. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  58. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  59. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  60. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7031 pg 38 and HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  61. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7031 pg 39
  62. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginninga/citynames-abascha-ales/slides/Abascha%20%20%20005.html link now defunct
  63. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7114 pg 128
  64. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy.
  65. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  66. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7114 pg 128
  67. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  68. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7114 pg 129
  69. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7045 pg 52
  70. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7232 pg 246
  71. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  72. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7232 pg 246
  73. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  74. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7232 pg 246
  75. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  76. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7287 pg 306
  77. ↑ NADEFE3/806 VM7340 pg 360
  78. ↑ DEFE3/806 VM7342 pg 362 and HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  79. ↑ HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  80. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  81. ↑ HW13/104 via Andrew Arthy
  82. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7442 pg 470
  83. ↑ NA DEFE3/806 VM7435 pg 463, see VM7287 pg 306 there is no other indication of this unit moving back to Sardinia from Catania.
  84. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7358 pg 61
  85. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7570 pg 74 also refer VM7435
  86. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7570 pg 74 and HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  87. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7570 pg 74 and HW13/111 via Andrew Arthy
  88. ↑ NARA image via LdZ
  89. ↑ Luftwaffe QMG Loss returns 21 May 1943 sheet 09, entry 165
  90. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7667 pg 179
  91. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7670 pg 182
  92. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7670 pg 182
  93. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginninga/citynames-arc-bak/slides/Armawir%20%20121.html
  94. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7765 pg 281
  95. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7765 pg 281
  96. ↑ http://www.wwii-photos-maps.com/targetrussia/citynamesbeginninga/citynames-abascha-ales/slides/Adlert%20%20027.html
  97. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7775 pg 292
  98. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7865 pg 390
  99. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7865 pg 390
  100. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7865 pg 390
  101. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7865 pg 390
  102. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7864 pg 393
  103. ↑ RL7-2/135 pg 5 Nachtrag zur 10. Erfolgsmeldung vom 28.3.43
  104. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7975 pg 512
  105. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7975 pg 512
  106. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7936 pg 470
  107. ↑ NARA image via LdZ.
  108. ↑ RL7-2/135 pg 5 Nachtrag zur 6. Erfolgsmeldung vom 31.3.43
  109. ↑ NA DEFE3/807 VM7985 pg 524
  110. ↑ LdZ - PRO AIR 40/1995.
  111. ↑ RL7-2/135 pg 5 Nachtrag zur 6. Erfolgsmeldung vom 31.3.43
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