and later ten wrecks were allegedly found on the ground. In reality, I./ZG 26 reported two losses. Two 1./ZG 26 pilots were captured but neither of the gunners survived. I./ZG 26 was known to have engaged No. 73 Squadron RAF near Poilcourt, for one of the Hawker Hurricanes was reported lost in an action involving it. On 14 May 1940, known as the "day of the fighters", I./ZG 26, 2 staffel reported the loss of two aircraft and crews, both of whom were killed. The group formed part of a bomber escort mission against Laon. The formation overflew Berry-au-Bac airfield at 15,000 feet prompting the resident 1 Squadron to scramble and engage. The action cost the British squadron two pilots killed. III./ZG 26 formed part of the escort for an attack on convoys near Namur. No. 73 Squadron RAF lost one pilot attacking the Bf 110s, while the group engaged Amiot 143 bombers from GB 1/34 or GB II/34 (Groupe de Bombardement ) and accounted for one destroyed. All the remaining bombers were damaged beyond repair. II./ZG 26 supported the defence of the captured bridges at Sedan. Along with III./JG 2, I./JG 53, they shot down seven bombers from 28 sent by 2 Group RAF, and drawn from 21, 107 and 110 Squadrons. ZG 26 is credited with four of the Hurricanes lost that day according to RAF Advanced Air Striking Force casualty lists; three against 1 Squadron and another against 73 Squadron. On 15 May ZG 26 and 73 Squadron met in combat again. III./ZG 26 escorted 40 DO 17s of I. and II./KG 3 on a mission over Allied air bases. 73 Squadron intercepted and in the ensuing dogfights, the RAF pilots claimed four Bf 110s for the loss of two Hurricanes. The German pilots filed claims for nine "Moranes" [mistakenly identifying the Hurricanes as French fighters] for the loss of two Bf 110s destroyed and two badly damaged in crash-landings, confirming British claims. Only two Hurricanes were shot down with both pilots surviving. One of the German losses came from 7./ZG 26, one from 8./ZG 26, and two from 9./ZG 26. 5./ZG 26 intercepted a Westland Lysander, 13 Squadron, escorted by Hurricanes from No. 85 Squadron RAF. The German fighters succeeded in attacking from above and shot down three Hurricanes seriously burning one pilot. 5./ZG 26 was left with only three serviceable Bf 110s. 85 Squadron encountered