Fw 190A of the 5/JG 26 “Schlageter” on the ground
First Operational Deployment of the Fw 190
The first Luftwaffe unit to operate the Fw 190 was II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 26 (II./JG 26). This unit received its first Fw 190A-1 aircraft in late July or early August 1941. A few weeks later, in August 1941, II./JG 26 began flying combat missions over Northern France, Belgium, and the English Channel.
Prior to its full operational deployment, JG 26 participated in the development and testing of the Fw 190. In March 1941, two JG 26 officers, Oblt. Otto Behrens and Lt. Karl Borris, were sent to Rechlin-Roggenthin to lead a special test unit called Erprobungsstaffel 190. Their mission was to prepare the Fw 190 for active service, working through the numerous engine problems and build quality concerns that plagued early models.
Erprobungsstaffel 190’s work was instrumental in getting the Fw 190 ready for combat. They identified and helped to solve a multitude of issues, leading to the implementation of over 50 modifications before the aircraft was officially accepted into Luftwaffe service. These modifications included solutions for engine overheating, canopy jettisoning problems, and various other mechanical issues.
The first combat loss for the Fw 190 occured during II./JG 26’s initial operational sorties. On August 14, 1941, Lt. Heinz Schenk was shot down by a German anti-aircraft battery while attacking a tanker off the Belgian coast. This incident highlighted the early challenges of integrating the new fighter into Luftwaffe operations.
Despite these initial challenges, II./JG 26’s deployment marked the beginning of the Fw 190’s illustrious combat career. The Fw 190 would quickly prove its worth as a formidable fighter, outclassing the Spitfire V in many aspects and contributing significantly to the Luftwaffe’s efforts throughout the war.