On 1 May 1939, the unit was named "Jagdgeschwader" 26 "Schlageter". One practical result of being a "named" unit was that for propaganda, if not necessarily operational, reasons. The wing was always among the first to receive new equipment; by January 1939 the "Jagdgeschwader" had received the newer Bf 109 E-1 which was highest performing fighter aircraft in the world at the time. I. "Gruppe" was commanded by Gotthard Handrick. Handrick served in "Jagdgruppe" 88 (J/88), Condor Legion, during the Spanish Civil War. "Hauptmann" Werner Palm commanded II. "Gruppe", while III. "Gruppe", formed 23 days into the war, was placed under Major Ernst Freiherr von Berg.