II./ZG 76 fought over the Dunkirk beaches during the Battle of Dunkirk. On 26 May the "gruppe" made a single claim against an unknown aircraft type and squadron. According to RAF Fighter Command records, two Hurricane pilots were shot down by Bf 110s this day—the pilot from No. 17 Squadron was killed and the other from No. 605 Squadron returned to his unit. Neither ZG 1, ZG 2 or ZG 26 filed any claims on 26 May. Dunkirk was a severe test for Fighter Command which had been designed as a defensive force. Fighter leaders were often forced to operate outside of British-based radar range, and thus RAF controllers in England were unable to assist in coordinating the squadrons. The Germans could dictate the terms of the battle; the when, where and height of the engagement, often in superior numbers. On 27 May four fighters were reported lost in combat with Bf 110s (two credited to Bf 110s and Junkers Ju 88 bombers) by Fighter Command.