Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4 night fighter of NJG6 (Werk Nr 110054) in 1944. by J. Richard Smith A widespread impression was created in the years that followed the Second World War that the Messerschmitt Bf 110 was a dismal failure. Certainly, when faced with modern single-engined fighters, the Bf 110 was outclassed, but in the role of bomber interception, especially at night, the Messerschmitt product was an undoubted success. It remained in service with the Luftwaffe until the end of the war, although by that time it was being replaced by the Ju 88G and He 219 night fighters. Development of the Bf 110 began in 1934, the prototype flying for the first time on 12 May 1936, powered by two 910-horsepower Daimler Benz DB600 engines. A small batch of Bf 110As and Bs preceded the first major production model, the Bf 110C powered by 1,100-horsepower DB601 units. The high speed and heavy firepower of the Bf 110 led an enthusiastic Göring to create a special Zerstörer (destroyer) force from...