airfields at Oryol, Bryansk and Dugino (west of Kursk). In August 1942, JG 51 suffered heavier losses than anything previously during the conflict; 101 Bf 109s were destroyed or written off from all causes during the month, with 17 pilots killed, missing, or hospitalized. In November 1942, II. / JG 51 was transferred to the Mediterranean theatre, fighting over Tunisia, Sicily and Italy before leaving for Sardinia in April 1943. 3. / JG 1 were also transferred in, and subordinated to II. Gruppe as 6. Staffel. The unit handed over its remaining aircraft to JG 77 and left the continent on 19 April 1943. The unit had lost 26 pilots killed, almost a 100% loss rate since their arrival. In July, the unit flew from Trapani against the American forces in Sicily. In March 1944, it moved to Yugoslavia and the Balkans in order to cover the Ploiești oil fields. Later in 1943 II. Gruppe was part of the German efforts to thwart the USAAF bomber offensive by 15th Air Force. It was stationed at various times in Hungary, Greece and Austria until late 1944. During the Battle of Kursk in southern Russia, Gruppe I., III., and IV. / JG 51 were based at Oryol with Luftflotte 6, flying in support of Army Group Centre. On 5 July 1943, the Soviet forces launched concentrated air attacks against the German airfields, and as all available Luftflotte 4 and 6 fighters scrambled, one of the largest air battles in history began. As Germany was losing the war, JG 51 retreated together with the rest of the Wehrmacht and by May 1945 operated out of East Prussia. Commanding officers Given below is a list of commanding officers of JG 51. Geschwaderkommodore Gruppenkommandeure I. Gruppe of JG 51 On 1 May 1939, I. Gruppe was created from I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 233. II. Gruppe of JG 51 III. Gruppe of JG 51 On 4 July 1940, III. Gruppe was created from I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 20. IV. Gruppe of JG 51 On 21 November 1940, IV. Gruppe was created from I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 77. References Citations Bibliography Jagdgeschwader 051 Military units and formations established in 1939 Military units and formations disestablished in 1945