Romanian 55th Exploration Group - A.A.15 ???

[Melax]

Hi,

I am looking for informations about the romanian 55th Exploration Group (especially in summer 1941 under Colonel P. Ilie Antonescue.

I have found a german document that:

"Auf Anforderung der 11.deutsche Armee [...] an das V.rum.A.K. wurde die A.A. 15 [Aufklärungs Abteilung 15], die sich zwischen dem Liman Tiligul und ML.Adjaliski befindet, dem Befehl der deuscteh Küstenartillerie-Abt.unterstellt, die sich im gleichen Abschnitt befindet"

(NARA T501 R285 - this is about fighting the russian landing east of Odessa in september 1941)

Now I have found in the diary of the german commander of the HKAA in question that he had a meeting with Colonel Antonescue of the rom. exploration group 55 the day before the landing - about the infantry defence in his area.

Question is: was "A.A. 15" part of exploration group 55? Or ist 15 a typo and "A.A.15" should meen exploration group 15? (not very likly at it would have placed a romanian colonel under the command of a german Major)?


very confusing -.-

Would be great to learn more about exploration group 55 and/or "A.A.15" - especially about their time in summer 1941 at the place between Odessa and Otschakow

thanks a lot,
Alexander

[CNE503]

Grupul 15 Cercetare (15th Recon Battalion) was part of Divizia 15 Infanterie (15th Infantry Division).
Grupul 55 Cercetare was a Corpul 5 Armata (Fifth Army Corps) corps unit.

Divizia 15 Infanterie was part of Corpul 5 Armata between August 5th and October 2nd, 1941.
It appears very likely that both battalions were in the area you referred to at this time.

Regards,
CNE503

[Melax]

Thank you CNE503

[Swindondruid]

Do you have any information on the composition of the Grupul 15 Cercetare, please? Information on Romanian infantry division reconnaisannce units is hard to find. I presumed a cavalry company, but I have also heard of motorbikes being used. Any information would be very useful.

[CNE503]

Here is a theoretical organization for such a Romanian divisional recon group in June 1941: http://www.niehorster.org/031_rumania/4 ... on_bn.html

Regards,
CNE503

[Swindondruid]

Many thanks CNE503.