Kampfgeschwader 50

I. Gruppe:

Gruppenkommandeure:

• Maj Kurt Scheede, Jul 1942 - 16 Jan 1943
• Maj Heinrich Schlosser, Jan 1943 - Oct 1943

Formed Jul 1942 in Brandenburg-Briest from parts of 10./KG40 with:

Stab I./KG50 new
1./KG50 new
2./KG50 new
3./KG50 new

Was equipped with He 177A bombers. The unit was charged with the evaluation of this new bomber, and this took place at Brandenburg-Briest and at Værløse (Denmark).

In early Dec 1942 the unit was transferred to Zaporozhye in South Russia for winter trials with 20 He 177A. Due to the worsening situation at Stalingrad, the unit was promptly applied to the transport role, although only seven aircraft was serviceable. On the first operation the Gruppenkommandeur, Major Scheede, was lost, and the aircraft was found to be totally unsuited for the transport role. The unit quickly reverted to bombing missions in support ot the Army. I./KG50 flew 13 missions, and lost most aircraft.

In late Jan 1943 the remnants returned to Brandenburg-Briest, and was retrained in the anti-shipping role with Hs 293 missiles. The unit moved to Burg-Magdeburg later in the year.

On 25 Oct 1943 the unit was redesignated II./KG40,

Stab I./KG50 became Stab II./KG40
1./KG50 became 4./KG40
2./KG50 became 5./KG40
3./KG50 became 6./KG40

and moved to Bordeaux-Merignac.

4.(Erg.)/KG50:

Staffelkapitäne

• ?
• Hptm Heinrich Muller, 10 Dec 1942 - 15 Sep 1943

Formed 10 Jul 1942 in Brandenburg-Briest from 15./KG40.

On 17 Sep 1943 became 17./KG40.

Based at Brandenburg-Briest during its existence.

Flughafenbetriebskompanien der KG50

• Flugzeugbestand und Bewegungsmeldungen, I./KG50
• Flugzeugbestand und Bewegungsmeldungen, Erg./KG50