Adlertag began on 13 August and cost JG 26 one fighter, though the attacks were a failure. Apparently a dozen Bf 109s from II. got lost and force-landed in France after running out of fuel. On 14 August a newcomer pilot was wounded and captured but was repatriated in 1943 to serve in the ground staff. The battle involved over 200 aircraft, as all three escorted Ju 87s from II./StG 1 and IV./LG 1. II. suffered on loss and claimed two in action with 32 Squadron; III. engaged 615 Squadron and claimed six (actual losses were three). JG 26 fought in the actions on 15 August, called Black Thursday in the due to the severity of the losses.