Rare 112.Flughafen-Betriebs-Kompanie EKM (KG51)

The dog tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows normal signs of wear. The soldier served in the 112.Flughafen-Betriebs-Kompanie which was linked with the Kampfgeschwader 51 (Edelweiß). A Betriebskompanie is a unit that repairs and services the planes. This kompanie was formed in May 1939 in Memmingen as 8.Flughafen-Betriebs-Kompanie and was attached to the III.Staffel of KG51.  This Staffel was equipped with the Heinkel He111 and saw its first combat during the invasion of France. After France it saw combat during the first days of Operation Barbarossa to support the ground troops in Tarnopol, Kiew, Shitomir and Bjelazerkow. After that in Raum Cherson - Kachowka - Melitopol and later in the Krim. In Januari 1943 the Betriebs-Kompanie was renamed in to 112.Flughafen-Betriebs-Kompanie. In July it participated in the Battle of Kursk. In December 1943 the III.Staffel of KG51 was disbanned and the troops where used for the I.Gruppe Schnellkampfgeschwader 10. They flew for the KG51 but where not named III.Staffel KG51 till 20 October 1944. They where based in France and Germany. Equipped with the Fw.190A.
Interesting dog tag.