Usage
The Ju 88 series were used as bombers, escort fighters, night fighters, tank busters, torpedo bombers, transports, reconnaissance, and even other roles.
The Ju 88 was popular with it's crews because of its toughness and speed.
A Junkers Ju 88 was used as a test bed for one of the early jet engines.
First Combat
On September 26, 1939, Ju 88As were used on British shipping in the Firth of Forth.
Mistels Almost "Big Show"
In December 1944 60 Mistels were gathered in Denmark for a mission against the British Naval base at Scapa Flow. The bad weather caused its postponement and eventual cancellation.
In 1945 most of the Mistels that were left were used in attacks to destroy bridges in Germany.
Ju 88A
The Ju 88As were used by Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Romania.
The Junkers Ju 88A-1 started being delivered in the middle of 1939. On September 26, 1939, it was first made operational.
Mistel's First Use
The first use by the Mistel was on June 24, 1944, against Allied shipping. The mission was unsuccessful but four days later a successful mission damaged four Allied ships.
Ju 88C
The Ju 88Cs were used by Germany.
Poland
A few pre production Ju 88Cs were used in the invasion of Poland.
Battle of Britain
The Ju 88Cs were used in Battle of Britain.
Ju 88D
The Ju 88Ds were used by Germany, Hungary, and Romania.
From 1940 on, the Ju 88Ds were used in all of Germany's campaigns.
Hungary
Hungary received Ju 88D-1s in 1943.
Romania
Romania received Ju 88D-1s in 1943.
Ju 88G
The Ju 88G was used by Germany.
The Ju 88G entered service in the summer of 1944. It replaced the Ju 88C, Ju 88R, and Bf 110 night fighters as the Nachtjagdgeschwaders' standard equipment.
Effective Night Fighter
The Ju 88Gs destroyed more Allied bombers than all other night fighters combined.
Night Intruder
The Ju 88Gs continued to be used on night intruder missions over Britain until 1945. One Ju 88G was the last German plane shot down over Britain.
Ju 88R
The Ju 88Rs were used by Germany.
Ju 88S
Ju 88Ss were often used as a pathfinder. They also conducted attacks on Britain in 1944.