Luftwaffe He111 Bomber Crew




The unit portrays an operational Heinkel "He111" H2 Bomber crew of StabIII/KG53 from the period of the Battle of Britain






Photo Gallery - Click on images to inlarge

If you would like us to attend your event please email us:  kampfgruppeburgkart@gmail.com



He 111s were useful medium bombers capable of undertaking various sortie types during its service tenure but it was during the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940 that its weaknesses were finally brought to light against a determined British fighter and Anti-Aircraft gun defence. He111s proved too slow to outrun danger and their defensive gun network lacked all-around capabilities which forced the Germans to commit more to escort fighter groups which, in turn, lacked the fuel necessary to engage enemy interceptors for long periods of time. He111s were, however, still very effective bombers.


What does StabIII/KG53 mean?

Kampfgeschwader 53 Legion Condor ( Combat Wing or Bomber Wing 53 Condor Legion) 

The term Stab Literal translation Staff was used during WW2 to designate a headquarters unit of the German Luftwaffe Geschwaderkennung (wing code) to distinguish their aircraft from the rest of the aircraft  in the same unit. These units were divided in the following way: The First Letter and number indicated the Group and the last two the individual aircraft and Staff Group (squadron)

Example: A1 + ZD

A1 tells us the aircraft is from KG53 (Combat Wing 53) + Luftwaffe Balkenkreuz (Bar cross) Z individual aircraft identity D Stab Gruppe III (Staff Group 3)



 

© Copyright Forces of the 40s