For KG 55 initial losses were light in these skirmishes. The first loss occurred on 11 July 1940, when 2./KG 55 lost He 111 "Werknummer" 2648 G1+LK, piloted by "Oberfeldwebel" Erich Slotosch. They became the first of the "Geschwader" casualties; all were taken prisoner of war. Later in the action two He 111s collided while in combat with No. 601 Squadron RAF over Channel with the loss of all crews. On the night 11/12 July Luftwaffe nuisance raids persisted with "Geschwaderkommodore" Alois Stoeckl leading II.—which would become a night pathfinder unit in the "Blitz"—attacked Cardiff, Wales. On 13 July another He 111 piloted by "Oberleutnant" Kleinhanns was shot down by No. 43 Squadron RAF over Southwick while on a reconnaissance flight. III./KG 55 lost another He 111 on the 19 July off Shoreham to No. 145 Squadron RAF as the Channel battles intensified.