Kampfgeschwader 40 (KG 40) was a prominent Luftwaffe bomber wing during World War II, famous for its crucial role as the primary maritime patrol and long-range strike unit operating over the Atlantic Ocean. Formed initially in July 1940 at Bordeaux-Mérignac under the tactical control of Fliegerführer Atlantik, the wing was tasked with conducting extensive maritime reconnaissance missions, hunting down Allied shipping convoys, and guiding Kriegsmarine U-boat wolfpacks to their targets. During its operational history, the unit was equipped with notable aircraft types, most famously the multi-engine Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor, alongside heavy bombers like the Heinkel He 177 Greif and various other sub-units utilizing aircraft such as the Junkers Ju 88 for long-range fighter and maritime defense roles. Commanded by notable officers such as Major Edgar Petersen and later Oberst Hanns Heise, KG 40 achieved significant early anti-shipping successes, inflicting heavy tonnage losses on Allied supply lines heading toward Great Britain. However, as the war progressed, intensified Allied air defenses, the introduction of catapult-launched aircraft (CAM ships), and heavily armed long-range maritime patrol fighters severely increased the attrition rate of the wing. In late 1943 and 1944, elements of the unit transitioned toward heavy bomber and transport duties, including participation in supply efforts and operations along various fronts. Following the Allied advance and the loss of its French bases, the wing was transferred back to Germany in late 1944 with intentions to convert into jet fighter operations utilizing the Messerschmitt Me 262, though these plans ultimately failed to materialize. The unit was officially disbanded on 2 February 1945, leaving a legacy as one of the most specialized and heavily engaged long-range maritime aviation formations of the German armed forces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RITTERKREUZTRÄGER
Oberstleutnant Bernhard Jope (1914-1995) was born on 10 May 1914 in Leipzig and died on 31 July 1995 in Königstein im Taunus. After studying aircraft construction at the Technische Hochschule in Danzig and receiving flight training, he entered the Luftwaffe on 1 April 1935, later serving with the Legion Condor in the Spanish Civil War. Early in the Second World War he flew with various Kampfgeschwader before joining I. Gruppe of Kampfgeschwader 40 as Technischer Offizier in June 1940. From 24 October 1940 he piloted a Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor in 2. Staffel. On 26 October 1940, west of Ireland, Jope and his crew attacked the large British troop transport Empress of Britain, scoring two bomb hits that set the vessel ablaze and so severely damaged it that it had to be taken in tow; two days later the ship was finished off by U 32. For this decisive action, which helped sink one of the largest vessels lost in the war, Oberleutnant and Flugzeugführer Jope was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 December 1940 while serving in 2. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 40. Promoted to Hauptmann on 1 February 1941, he became Staffelkapitän of 2. Staffel/KG 40 and later received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 5 February 1942. After further postings, including testing work, he joined Kampfgeschwader 100 in May 1943, first as Gruppenkommandeur of IV. and then III. Gruppe. Promoted to Major on 1 August 1943, he was appointed Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 100 on 10 September 1943. Under his command the unit employed the innovative Fritz-X radio-controlled glide bomb; on 9 September 1943 Jope led eleven Dornier Do 217 bombers that struck the Italian battle fleet sailing to surrender, hitting the battleship Roma twice and sinking her while damaging her sister ship Italia. Subsequent operations scored hits on HMS Warspite, HMS Uganda and USS Savannah. For his outstanding leadership and the Geschwader’s successes in sinking or damaging some 300000 GRT of shipping, including a battleship, Major and Kommodore of Kampfgeschwader 100 was awarded the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz (431st award) on 24 March 1944. Later he briefly commanded Kampfgeschwader 30, served on higher staffs, and was promoted to Oberstleutnant on 1 January 1945, his final rank. After the war and captivity he flew as a Lufthansa pilot until retirement. He completed approximately 410 operational sorties and also received the Eisernes Kreuz II. and I. Klasse, Frontflugspange in Gold, and a mention in the Wehrmachtbericht.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampfgeschwader_40
No comments:
Post a Comment