Background
In reaction to the Commonwealth offensive and the supply crisis, a large number of transport planes were assembled in Greece to ensure at least the most urgent supplies could be delivered to keep the German forces in North Africa in the game, so to speak.
An ULTRA intercept (CX/MSS/503/T29) of early December 1941 gives a snapshot of this strength, and it shows the low levels of serviceability, and importantly also shows what this level of effort could deliver in a day. With the proviso that without having the same info for other days, it is impossible to say whether this was a good, bad, or indifferent day.
Mediterranean – Junkers 52 in Flight. Unknown Date. Bundesarchiv Bildarchiv.
On 6/12 Fliegerkorps X made following report to C. in C. GAF (Gen. Qu. Genst. 4 Abt.):-
Strength Return (at 5/12/2200 hours):-
| Unit | Location | Esta-blishment | Service-able | Percent |
| 9/KG z.b.V. 1 | Tatoi |
12 |
1 |
8.3% |
| 11/KG z.b.V. 1 | Tatoi |
12 |
6 |
50.0% |
| Glider Towing Detachment | Eleusis |
2 |
1 |
50.0% |
| Freight Gliders | Eleusis |
4 |
4 |
100.0% |
| KG z.b.V. 172 | Tatoi |
10 |
4 |
40.0% |
| KG z.b.V. 300 | Tatoi |
50 |
35 |
70.0% |
| KG z.b.V. 102 | Kalamaki |
18 |
12 |
66.7% |
| II./LLG 1 | Kalamaki |
5 |
3 |
60.0% |
| 10./KG z.b.V. 1 | Benina (North Africa) |
11 |
1 |
9.1% |
Remarks: 1 Ju 52 (O6 + CC)(?) of KG z.b.V. 102 missing since 4/12.
The total comes to 118 planes, excluding the gliders and their tows, of which 67 were operational, or 57%.
Transports on 5/12:
To DERNA 2 Jumo 211 H engines
75 drums of cable
648 armour piercing Flak shells (8.8 cm)
47,600 litres B4
6 men of (F) 123 with baggage
9 soldiers with baggage
To MALEMES 90 men of Res. Flak Abt. 806
Remarks: the intented transfer of fuel to CRETE in the afternoon was not possible, owing to weather. The following are still on the way:-
Of II/LLG 1 – 2 a/c
Of KG z.b.V. 102 – 3 a/c
The Crusader Project 