Corgi AA33712 Heinkel 111 H-6 Torpedo Bomber, 6/KG26, 1H+GP, Italy 1942

KG26 was initially formed on the 1st May 1939 at L’neburg. The majority of its operational life was spent on anti-maritime missions. In December 1940 6/KG26 was chosen to be the first unit to train in airborne torpedo attacks using the He 111. Crews from 1.KGr.126 who had been engaged in experimental torpedo operations transferred to 6/KG26 to begin instruction. From 1941 the unit attacked Russian shipping in the Baltic Sea, until later disbanded in 1944. 6/KG26 were regarded as the ‘Experten’ in air launched torpedo missions. In spring 1941 a Torpedo Training and Trials Establishment was set up at Grossenborde but by the winter of 1941/42 it was moved to Grosseto for better climatic and sea conditions. During the summer of 1942 6/KG26 transferred to Grosseto and took part in attacks on allied convoys including the ships of ‘Operation Pedestal’ when the unit sank two freighters.