Throughout the early months of the war JG51 was based in the West, fighting in the French campaign, and also in the Battle of Britain. Werner Mölders acted as the units Kommodore during these early months , as well as during the invasion of Russia. After Mölders' death in 1941 the Geschwader adopted his name as a title of honor. Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders" was to remain on the Russian front throughout the rest of 1941. In 1942 II/JG51 was transferred to the Mediterranean theatre fighting over Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. As the war  turned against Germanys favor JG51 was forced to operate closer and closer to Germany, finally staging out of east Prussia. During the war JG51 claimed nearly 3000 kills.
 

Werner Mölders in front of his Bf-109F


Horst Peltzschler who flew for Jg-3 "Udet" and JG-51 "Mölders"

 Click here for Horst Peltzschler Page

Spitfire shot down by JG-51 Bf-109E during the Battle of Britain


I/JG51 Fw-190s on the Russian front, during the Spring of 1942

Bf-109E belonging to Josef Priller during his JG-51 days

III/JG51 FW 190s West of Moscow during the Winter of 1941-42
 

Bf-109G belonging to II/JG51