German Recon forces...

[vinnie71]

Can anyone try to explain the differences between designations of Recon units in the Luftwaffe? I've read only a bit about it, and frankly its a real mess (most authors seem to think so as well!!!). Any help would be appreciated...

[Denniss]

The number in front is the staffel number of an individual unit; H is the designation for short range (tactical) recon unit, F for Long range recon unit; the last two or three digits the recon group unit number. NAGr (or NAG) is a short range recon unit as well (some/all (H) units were renamed). The same happened to long range recon units - renamed to FAG/FAGr.

These recon units were typically assigned to Army Headquarters although some long range groups were directly attached to the Luftwaffe High Command (those named /ObdL). Some short range groups were directly attached to Panzer Korps, they beared a (Pz) instead of (H). Those with /Nacht were night recon units.

[vinnie71]

thanks Denniss. Even when one reads about them, the recon forces were probably the worst organised part of the Luftwaffe.
 
Maybe one more question. Where groups kept together as units? I'm asking because many groups had a mixture of all types of staffels, so basically a gruppe could have a whole mix of planes available.
 
I'm also asking because I'm reorganising the recon forces prior to the '42 Offensive. Basically my plan was to give:
 
[ol][*](F) units Ju 88 D-1's as befit their role,
[*](H) units Feisler, FW 189's and Henschels, depending on which army they were connected to (if on the offensive they would have longer range aircraft, if on static section of the front they will get Fiesler Storch)
[*](Pz) units get FW 189's because they would need the range due to fast moving panzer forces
[*]ObdL units will get Ju 88 D-1's because of the range (maybe the Me110's as well if I expect heavy resistance)
[*]Also if I can spare an airfield deep behind the lines (the one orphaned by the 11 Army comes to mind...) I'll set it up near the Pripet marshes and send some scratch recon units to search out partisans...[/ol]

[vlcz]

..Pripet marshes and send some scratch recon units to search out partisans...

can this really be done? I thought that "inactive" (i.e. those that axis side does not see) partisans could not be located

[Speedysteve]

vlcz - you're correct in that inactive Partisans can't be detected by the Axis player

[vinnie71]

Maybe I'm wrong but active ones can hide too (after their first appearance)? That's why I'm thinking that way. If that's not the case, I'll stuff the airbase with night fighters to try to strangle their supplies to partisans.