History:

In February of 1940, I/JG 144 gave up it's Messerschmitt BF 109D's and re-equipped with the new Messerschmitt Bf 110C, becoming II/ZG 76. It kept as its gruppe emblem the Haifisch (Sharkmouth), painting this on the nose of their new mounts.

II/ZG 76 did not participate in the invasion of Denmark and Norway, their first action being the invasion of the Low Countries and France in May, 1940 as part of Luftflotte 3. Moving across Belgium and northern France, II/ZG 76, in common with all the Bf 110 gruppen, enjoyed great success. However, over Dunkirk, II/ZG 76 was to meet the Spitfire for the first time. It was a rude awakening for them, and a dark portent of things to come.

During the Battle of Britain, II/ZG 76 was stationed in Northern France, flying escort for bombers attacking England. Success did not come as easily against the RAF, and losses mounted quickly. On a single day alone, "Black Thursday", August 15, 1940 II/ZG 76 lost 8 aircraft to RAF guns. The Messerschmitt Bf110 did not fare well against the RAF, and by October, most of the "zestorergruppen", including ZG 76, had been withdrawn from the Channel front.

Colors:

M8+CP was finished in a splinter pattern of dark greens (RLM 70 & 71) on the upper surfaces, with light blue (RLM 65) underneath. II/ZG 76 used the Haifisch (sharkmouth) as the Gruppe (Group) emblem. The flags under the cockpit represent the countries where 6/ZG 76 had fought. The small heart is a personal insignia.

References:
J.R. Smith & J.D. Gallaspy, Luftwaffe Colors, Vol 2. (Monogram Aviation/1976)
John Weal, Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zestorer Aces of WW 2 (Osprey Aviation/1999)
Jerry Campbell, Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zestorer In Action (Squadron/Signal 1977)

Thanks to James Grimes for permission to do repaints for his excellent Messerschmitt bf-110C Zestorer. The original model can be downloaded from: Virtual RLM for Combat Flight Simulator 2

A special thanks to James Grimes for doing a special compile of his Me-110 model with special nose textures so that I could do this "sharkmouth" Me-110. This archive includes the special model of the Me-110; please use only this model with these textures or it just won't look right.