3./JG 1 was ordered to Sicily and later Africa, and re-designated as 6. "Staffel" of "Jagdgeschwader" 51 (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing) on 30 November 1941. Another 3./JG 1 was formed in Wangerooge on the same day. In January 1944, the 18 "Staffel" unit was transferred to Dortmund where they were located next to I./JG 1. Here they were subordinated to "Major" Rudolf-Emil Schnoor, the commander of I./JG 1. On 15 August 1944, 9. "Staffel" of "Jagdgeschwader" 77 (JG 77—77th Fighter Wing) was transferred to reinforce I./JG 1, becoming 4./JG 1. From mid-1943, the "gruppe" sported unique checkered cowlings; each of the three "staffeln" had its own colour combination.