Sonderkommando Elbe
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For other uses of "Sonderkommando", see Sonderkommando (disambiguation).
Sonderkommando "Elbe" was the name of a World War II Luftwaffe task force assigned to bring down heavy bombers by ramming them in mid-air.
Quick Facts Active, Country ...
Sonderkommando "Elbe" | |
---|---|
Active | 7 April 1945 |
Country | Nazi Germany |
Branch | ‹See Tfd› Luftwaffe |
Role | special attack interceptor |
Size | 2,000 aircraft 2,000 volunteers 300 fighter pilots |
Motto(s) | "Treu, Tapfer, Gehorsam" ("loyal, valiant, obedient") |
Colors | Black and White |
Engagements | Air war/aerial ramming over Germany, 7 April 1945 |
Insignia | |
Roundel | Balkenkreuz |
Aircraft flown | |
Interceptor | Messerschmitt Bf 109 |
Close
Its sole mission took place on 7 April 1945, when a force of 180 Bf 109s managed to ram 15 Allied bombers, downing eight of them.[1][2][3]
The task force was created to cause losses sufficient to halt or at least reduce the Western Allies' bombing of Germany.[4] The pilots were expected to parachute out either just before or after they had collided with their target.