began night fighter flights over the desert, claiming one bomber on 29 May 1942 when assisted by search lights. The loss is confirmed through Allied records and likely belonged to 24 Squadron SAAF. On 1 June 1942, 7./ZG 26 attacked motorised vehicles with support from 9./ZG 26. Two of the latter unit lost two Bf 110s while the former lost one crew when a tank it was attacking exploded in front of them. All six men were killed. Defeat in Africa: From Egypt to Tunisia III./ZG 26's activities from the beginning to end of the Second Battle of El Alamein appear to have been non-notable, for the unit does not appear to have filed any claims in combat or reported any losses. Only one aircraft was abandoned at Berka airfield as the Axis forces retreated from Egypt. III./ZG 26 had been returned to Germany for rest and replenishment. It returned to Africa upon Operation Torch, the Anglo-American landings in Morocco and Algeria. The group was equipped with Bf 110Cs still, and a small number of Ju 88Cs and Do 17Zs. III./ZG 1 followed with the new Messerschmitt Me 210. On 14 November 1942 the group was providing fighter escort to Ju 52 transports from Sicily to Tunis. No. 126 Squadron RAF patrolling from Malta encountered one such formation and a dogfight saw one fighter from each side shot down. Staffeln were also based at Gabes airfield on 29 November, for Lockheed P-38 Lightnings from the 1st Fighter Group based at Youks-les-Bains Airfield, strafed the airfield. The US pilots claimed two Bf 110s in aerial combat—the other being claimed by the 14th Fighter Group. The Run for Tunis prolonged the African campaign. The Allied powers established considerable air power in Algeria and Tunisia by early December 1942. III./ZG 26 began to operate from Sicilian airfields with greater frequency. The Bf 110s were used mainly in the long-range escort role for air transports between Greece, Crete, Sicily and Africa rather than the air superiority role. These operations were carried out at low altitudes. The threat of long-range heavy fighters such as the Bristol Beaufighter was evident on 4/5 December when No. 227 Squadron RAF claimed two transports carrying invaluable ground personnel were shot down over the Strait of Sicily; one belonging to III./ZG 26. The group lost all three Bf 110s escorting 32 Ju 52s on 11 December 1942. Beaufighters from No.