The wing operated in the close air support role in May 1942, losing one on 2nd and 12th, then operating in support of the Battle of Gazala. On 27 May the group claimed two Hurricanes for one crew lost and captured; though their opponents were probably P-40s from 5 Squadron SAAF. ZG 26 lost a further crew killed and another aircraft severely damaged by the end of the day. During April and May 1942, III./ZG 26 began night fighter flights over the desert, claiming one bomber on 29 May 1942 when assisted by search lights. The loss is confirmed through Allied records and likely belonged to 24 Squadron SAAF. On 1 June 1942, 7./ZG 26 attacked motorised vehicles with support from 9./ZG 26. Two of the latter unit lost two Bf 110s while the former lost one crew when a tank it was attacking exploded in front of them. All six men were killed.