Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

Discussions on all (non-biographical) aspects of the Freikorps, Reichswehr, Austrian Bundesheer, Heer, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Fallschirmjäger and the other Luftwaffe ground forces. Hosted by Christoph Awender.
Post Reply
tomi
Member
Posts: 41
Joined: 15 Jul 2006, 19:34
Location: Finland

Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

#1

Post by tomi » 11 Apr 2014, 16:47

Hello

I ask a question about Frontaufklärungsgruppe and Frontaufklärungstrupp earlier, but the question was probably set incorrectly and I have wrong numbers mentioned in there(300 and 600 series of units). I have found bits and pieces of the subject here and other forums, but not comprehensive explanations .

So I hope, that after reviewing my question again, in litle bit of different form, somebody can help me ?

- Are the Frontaufklärungsgruppe and Frontaufklärungstrupp as reconnaissance units ?

- What was level and scope of the operation, if there were used for recce ( tactical or strategic ) ?

- What was the organization, equipment and personal strength ?

I understand that there were different numbering series for different units ( 100,200 series):

- Was there more numbers ( for example, 300, 400 ) ?

- What was the meaning of numbers, was it something to do with the TOE or level of functions ( tactical or strategic ) ?

- What was the higher echelon of command, where they part of bigger units: regiment,division level or even theater level ?

- Is there any good material ( books ) of the subject ?

I know there are lots of question here, but I hope that somebody can help me in this issue.

Tomi

Gary Kennedy
Member
Posts: 1001
Joined: 28 Mar 2012, 19:56

Re: Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

#2

Post by Gary Kennedy » 11 Apr 2014, 20:33

Not units I'm familiar with. It looks as though the organisational tables for them (KStN) were issued in the 2000 series -

http://www.niehorster.orbat.com/011_ger ... in_15.html

As the issue dates are late war period, the KStN may well be available on Sturmpanzer -

http://www.sturmpanzer.com/Default.aspx ... em=3&sec=1

I'd recommend H1/3 (third from the top) as that covers the Field Police units which are in the same KStN range.

Gary


GregSingh
Member
Posts: 3877
Joined: 21 Jun 2012, 02:11
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

#3

Post by GregSingh » 12 Apr 2014, 09:41

They were not combat units, but intelligence/research/survey type units.
KStN's are available as per Gary's post - 2026, 2027 and 2028.
As much as I can see, apart from combat escort and admin staff, they have interpreters and translators.

User avatar
G. Trifkovic
Forum Staff
Posts: 2293
Joined: 06 Nov 2004, 20:26
Location: The South-East

Re: Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

#4

Post by G. Trifkovic » 12 Apr 2014, 14:29

Hi Tomi,
- Are the Frontaufklärungsgruppe and Frontaufklärungstrupp as reconnaissance units ?
FATs usually operated through a network of agents.
- What was the organization, equipment and personal strength ?
A FAT was supposed to have 6 officers, 10 NCOs and 20 enlisted men; in reality, on average they had 12-13 men altogether, including the leader (data for Balkans).
I understand that there were different numbering series for different units ( 100,200 series):

- Was there more numbers ( for example, 300, 400 ) ?

- What was the meaning of numbers, was it something to do with the TOE or level of functions ( tactical or strategic ) ?
The first digit reflected the main area of activity inherited from original Abwehr structure (I-intelligence, II-sabotage, III-counter-intelligence). On the ground, individual FATs had a wide range of activities, usually covering intelligence-gathering, sabotage, etc., all at the same time, depending on the circumstances.
- What was the higher echelon of command, where they part of bigger units: regiment,division level or even theater level ?
The chain of command went from (top to bottom) Frontaufklärungskommando - Frontaufklärungstrupps - Meldeköpfe (or "Aussenstellen" or "Stützpunkte", name depending on level of importance).

For instance, FAK 310 was formed in the second half of 1943 and was subordinated to Army Group F in Belgrade and had altogether 13 FATs spread across the Balkans.
- Is there any good material ( books ) of the subject ?
All the information I provided is relevant to Abwehr's activities in the Balkans and comes from the study on German intelligence service(s) in wartime Yugoslavia. It was compiled by the Yugoslav secret police in the late 1950s using largely contemporary documents and interrogations of captured German personnel and arrested agents. It has nine volumes (including three volumes of documents) and about 6,500 pages (!).

(As a side note, each copy is numbered and stamped with "Secret! Keep in drawer!"; I heard that some old ex-policemen are still refusing to lend their copies to researchers. :D))

Hope this helps a bit,

G.

tomi
Member
Posts: 41
Joined: 15 Jul 2006, 19:34
Location: Finland

Re: Frontaufklärungsgruppe/ Frontaufklärungstrupp

#5

Post by tomi » 12 Apr 2014, 23:40

Hello

Thank you very much, for the answers.

Tomi

Post Reply

Return to “Heer, Waffen-SS & Fallschirmjäger”