Kampfgeschwader 1

Kampfgeschwader 1 (KG 1) (Battle Wing 1) was a Luftwaffe bomber unit during the Second World War. Heinkel He 111 and later Heinkel He 177 bombers.

History
Formed from Stab/KG 152 'Hindenburg' at Neubrandenburg on 1 May 1939. I./KG 1 was formed from IV./KG 152, II./KG 1 formed from I./KG 152 on 18 September 1939. III./KG 1 was formed from contribution of I and III./KG 1 on 1 December 1939.

Polish Campaign
Initially the unit started out under Luftflotte 1 but moved to Luftflotte 4 on 8 September, before being moved back on 20 September 1939. Main targets included railways and troop concentrations. I./KG 1 took part in the Battle of Bzura.

Western Europe
I./KG supported the German Fourth Army in Belgium in May 1940. II./KG 1 supported the Fourth Army of Army Group B but also supported the race to the English Channel, attacking French targets threatening Army Group A. On 3 June 1940 II./KG 1 took part in Operation Paula as did III./KG 1.

Battle of Britain
I and II./KG 1 conducted operations over Britain. Both took part in Adlertag. III./KG 1 had little involvement and spent the campaign as a training unit.

Commanding officers
The following commanded KG 1:
 * Major General Ulrich Otto Eduard Kessler, 1 May 1939 – 17 December 1939
 * Oberst Ernst Exss 18 December 1939 – 12 July 1940
 * Oberst Josef Kammhuber 12 July 1940 – 17 July 1940 (acting)
 * Major General Karl Angerstein 18 July 1940 – 1 March 1942
 * Major Herbert Loch 2 March 1942 – 30 June 1942
 * Oberstleutnant Paul Schemmel 1 July 1942 – 14 August 1942 (killed in action 14 August 1942)
 * Major Hans Keppler 15 August 1942 – 3 September 1942 (killed in action 3 September 1942)
 * Major Heinrich Lau 4 September 1942 – 15 March 1943
 * Obstlt Horst Von Riesen 17 March 1943 – 25 August 1944