In October 1943 II./Zerstorergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel" was re-equipped with Messerschmitt Me 410 A machines. At this time Hptm. Eduard Tratt held the position of Gruppenkommandeur, which he held until his death on 22 February 1944, when he was shot down by return fire from a Boeing B-17 'Flying Fortress' of the 401 Bomb Squadron, 91 Bombardment Group (on this day Hptm. Tratt was flying in Me 410 A-1 '3U-blau 1').

Hptm. Tratt was replaced by Hptm. Gunther Weyl the following day. Hptm. Weyl led the Gruppe until 06 July 1944, when he assumed the position of Gruppenkommandeur I./Zerstorergeschwader 101.

Hptm. Willy Elstermann replaced Hptm. Weyl, and remained with the Gruppe as its Kommandeur when it was re-designated as II./Jagdgeschwader 6 on 05 August--1944.

Note: This Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 bearing the marking of Gruppenkommandeur II./Zerstorergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel". Note also the distinctive 'Wappen' of II./Zerstorergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel" in the form of a 'Holzschuhe' (wooden clog) on the outer engine cowling and the yellow Rechsverteidung band on the real fusulage.