Jagdfliegerführer Süd

Not initially subordinated to Fl.Div. 2, Jafü Süd, controlled the fighter defence of Southern France, such as it was. The post was held by Oberst Friedrich Vollbracht (a former Kommodore of ZG 2 and holder of the Ritterkreuz), his callsign was "ÖDIPUS".

An Allied Intelligence assessment after the campaign concluded:

During the summer of 1944 the German Fighter Commander, S. FRANCE had everything necessary to meet air attacks within his territory — everything but a fighter force. He was served by an adequate organisation for reporting, plotting and controlling aircraft. His network of communications with this organisation and with other headquarters was also adequate. But, with hardly more than a single Gruppe of fighters, the system proved almost wholly futile.

His HQ, Chateau La Nerthe (near Chateauneuf-du-Pape, about 10 km south south east of Orange) had been requisitioned on 21 June 1943 although Vollbracht and his staff did not move in until 1 May 1944, along with Stab/Ln.-Rgt. 51. Major Krauthausen, the regimental commander doubled as Vollbracht’s Signals Leader.

On 25 July 1944, the Jafü’s staff consisted of seven officers, two “officials”, 25 NCOs and 14 other ranks. The Ln.-Rgt. contingent at the chateau had 5 officers, 3 officials, 15 NCOs and 7 other ranks.

Landline communications included links to 2./NAG 13 at Cuers; 1. and 3. JGr. 200 at Aix-les-Milles and 2./JGr. 200 at Avignon-East; Stab/2. Fl.Div. at Montfrin; and Jägerleitstelle West at Pinerolo (south west of Torino, Italy). According to documents found at La Nerthe, by 16 August all the Staffeln of JGr. 200 were based at Avignon and the Aix message centre was dismantled.

Jagdgruppe 200

Follow the link for as complete a history of JGr. 200 as I can manage.

Seenotkommando Berre (Seenotstaffel 3)

This air/sea rescue unit reported a strength of 7 Dorniers (almost certainly Do 24) and 2 Bréguet Br. 521 Bizerte flying-boats, plus 9 crews, on the evening of 8 August 1944 .

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