Formation
I./JG 54 was initially formed as I./JG 70 near Nürnberg in July 1939. As was to become tradition within the "Grünherzgeschwader", the Gruppe took the Nürnberg coat-of-arms (per fess dexter, Or, an eagle displayed Sable, sinister bendy of six Gules and Argent), to represent the region the unit came from. On 15 September 1939, I./JG 70 was redesignated I./JG 54.
The initial unit designation for II./JG 54 was I./JG 138. This unit was raised in 1938 after the Austrian annexation. Thus many Austrian nationals were recruited when I./JG 138 was formed. I./JG 138 was briefly designated I./JG 76 before finally becoming II./JG 54 on 6 April 1940.
III./JG 54 has its roots in Prussia. Initially raised as I./JG 21, the members were drawn from the Jesau region in Prussia. On 15 July 1939, I./JG 21 was redesignated III./JG 54. However, the bureaucratic nature of the young Luftwaffe was such that it was over a year before records would reflect the new designation. Thus III./JG 54 fought in Poland and France as I./JG 21.
Read more about this topic: Jagdgeschwader 54
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