"Gruppe" (3rd group) of "Jagdgeschwader" 3 (JG 3–3rd Fighter Wing) which was fighting in the Battle of Britain.In February 1941, he was appointed "Geschwaderkommodore" (wing commander) of "Jagdgeschwader" 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2–2nd Fighter Wing) and claimed his 40th aerial victory during World War II on 27 June.