RECON UNIT

An Aufklärungsabteilung [ clearing up detachment] was an Abteilung sized reconnaissance unit attached to a German division during the Second World War. The Aufklärungsabteilung was the eyes and ears of the parent division. and were equipped with motorcycle combinations (BMW R71 & R75s, Zündapps etc), VW Kübelwagens and light armoured cars SdKfz222 in the more mobile motorised infantry and panzer divisions. To offer the troops better all-terrain movement capability the Aufklärungsabteilungen were later issued with the amphibious Schwimmwagens and light halftracks. The Abteilung had to be able to move quickly, its mission was reconnaissance. SS-Hauptsturmführer Kurt Meyer, commander of 15.(Kradschützen)Kompanie of the Leibstandarte "Adolf Hitler", oversaw the expansion of his unit during the reorganization of the Waffen-SS in August 1940 to what became officially known as Aufklärungs-Abteilung LAH at the beginning of September. Formation of AA LAH took place at Fort Alversleben in Metz and was completed by Februari 1941.