Understanding Luftwaffe bomber units through the years

[csThor]

You need to separate the Me 410 A and Me 410 B ... both were used for very different roles. Initially the 410 was supposed to be the new multi-role combat aircraft replacing not only the Bf 110 but that never worked for reasons known. As it was the Me 410 A was used in the strategic recon and fast bomber role (hence the equipment of parts of KG 51 and others). The Me 410 B, however, was a different beast and dedicated to the "Zerstörer" role as replacement for the Bf 110 G-2. It had different (stronger) engines and a much different weapons package available.

I guess the shift from Ju 88 S to Me 410 was a question of economy of forces. The BMW 801s and Jumo 213As of the Ju 88 S were needed more for the Fw 190 production while the Me 410 was supposed to replace the 110 in all roles, anyway. None of that worked, though.