Post
by Larry D. » 15 May 2022 14:35
Although used for special needs that cropped up from time-to-time (see below), I was unable to find any examples of Störche being used regularly for over-the-front reconnaissance or artillery spotting.
Verbindungsstaffel 57
(Unit Code: ?)
Formation. (May - Jun 41)
No information as to exact date and place of formation.
Central Russia, North Caucasia and South Russia. (Jun 41 - Sep 44)
22 Jul 41: Fw 58 crashed at Tsundry (not located), 1 killed and 1 injured.
22 Sep 41: Staffel attached to Koluft/Heeresgruppe Mitte.
Nov 41 – May 42: transferred to Germany and disbanded, with assets returned to the schools. Re-established c. April 1942 for assignment in South Russia.
25 May 42: based at Fp. Dnepropetrovsk attached to Luftgaukommando Rostow.
31 Jul 42: Fi 156 crashed at Kushchevskaya/76 km S of Rostov in N Caucasia, 80%, 2 killed.
3 Oct 42: Staffel mechanic reported WIA by machine gun fire at Khanskaya/14 km NW of Maikop.
Nov 42: one man reported MIA at Tuapse/N Caucasia.
4 Nov 42: with the 5 Fi 156 Störche available to it, the Staffel began medical evacuation flights from Maikop in support of AOK 17 and airlifting supplies and ammunition to forward outposts in the Caucasus Mountains. In the middle of the month it was temporarily reinforced with 10 more Störche bringing the total to 15.
Jan/Feb 43: based at Krasnodar in North Caucasia. (TsAMO) 500/12476/Akte 3/0109)
22 Jun 43: Fi 156 crashed at Novosilovka (Novosilyevka/86 km SE of Orel?), 100%, pilot injured.
24 Oct 43: Staffel pilot reported WIA by ground fire west of Krivoy Rog/140 km SW of Dnepropetrovsk.
1944: no information.
Sep 44: disbanded. Staffel’s Feldpost number deleted 19 Oct 44.
FpN: (L 38444, then L 15534)
Staffelkapitän:
Oblt. Scholz ( ? - ? ) 11/42
© H.L. deZeng IV, 2004