Mixed Plane Gruppe/Staffel in the LW - or any other air force

[silence]

For most of its operational career JG 26 flew FW 190s in Gruppes I and II, while III operated mainly Bf 109s.

So we have mixed fighter types at the Geschwader level.

My question is: could a Gruppe operate mixed types, like Staffeln 1 2 using 190s and 3 using 109s?

Or even possibly mixed types within a squadron, like the pilots of 1 Staffel flying both 190s and 109s at the same time?

If a pilot really liked his ride, could he refuse to change? For example, say Pips Priller liked his 109F so much he decided to turn down or refuse the 190A. Could he continue to fly his 109 even though the unit had officially changed over to 190s?

I hope I'm making sense here!!

 

[GregP]

I've wondered about that, too ...

 

[silence]

Anyone?

 

[Wildcat]

Don't know about the Luftwaffe, but the RAAF fielded several mixed squadrons during WWII. 24 sqn at Rabaul for example had a flight of Wirraways and a flight of Hudson bombers. 82 sqn was formed with both P-39's and P-40's. 1PRU/87 sqn was epuipped with F-4 lightnings, Mosquitoes, P-43's and Wirraways! the list goes on...

 

[FLYBOYJ]

The US had mixed squadrons known as "Composite Squadrons." They were also formed at the group level as well.

 

[Civettone]

Silence, to answer your question: YES, the Germans had mixed units, as small as Staffel (squadrons) with mixed aircraft. It would be possible to find 3 or 4 different types of aircraft in a single ten-twenty aircraft unit.


Kris

 

[Njaco]

I believe LG 1 or LG 2 operated Ju 87s, Bf 109s, Bf 110s, Hs123s and He 111s during its operational life time. Check out The Luftwaffe, 1933-45 for what each unit flew during certain periods.