Why the role of these units were so important? In 1944, the weight of bombs dropped by the Allies on Reich reached the highest level of 993 000 tons, while the Luftwaffe dropped vain 9334 tonnes. Allied average tonnage monthly dropped for the year (77 743) exceeded the total tonnage of bombs dropped on Britain within six years of war (75 655).
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| Oberfeldwebel Willi Frös of 5./ZG 26 just returned from operational flight and stand on wing root of his Messerschmitt Me410B-1 at Königsberg-Neumark in May 1944 to be greeted by his ground crew. Visible is the Zielfernrohr 4A telescopic sight in the armoured windscreen. Frös is holding a bandoleer of flare of cartridges in his hand. It is believed he accounted for five Viermots shot down. |
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| An Messerschmitt Me210A-1 of ZG 26 seen at Diepholz, in Germany, in ugust 1943 following its return to the Reich from North Africa. The aircraft has been adapted for its new home defence role by the fitting of under wing twin 21 cm WGr mortar tubes intended for breaking up enemy bomber Pulks. |
