The Wartime Memories Project - Aufklarungsgruppe 123 (Reconnaissance Group 123)

It is not possible to fully understand the history of the Second World War without refering to the forces of the Axis.
The Wartime Memories Project is purely a historical resource and the information contacted in this section is for historical educational. We are a Non Political organisation and do not support the ideas of The Third Riech, we simply present the facts.

Information.

Aufklarungsgruppe 123 (Reconnaissance Group 123) was formed in April 1936 in Grossenhain.

The bases they flew from were:

Stab (Staff):
- Grossenhain, 1.4.36 - 1.10.37
- Würzburg, 1.11.38 - 10.39
- Gelnhausen, 3.40 - 5.40
- Toussus-le-Buc, 7.40 - 8.44
- Sandweiler, 8.44 - 4.9.44
- Niedermendig, 4.9.44 - 25.9.44
- Limburg, 25.9.44 - 1.11.44
- Hadamer, 1.11.44 - 12.44
- Achmer, 12.44 - 3.45
- Schwäbisch Hall, 3.45 - 4.45
1.(F)/123:
- Grossenhain, 1.4.36 - 1.10.37
- Würzburg, 1.11.38 - 8.39
- Ansbach, 8.39 - 10.39
- Langendiebach, 10.39 - 5.40
- Toussus-le-Buc, 7.40 - 5.43
- Parma, 8.43 - 10.5.44
- Bergamo, 10.5.44 - 27.7.44
- Jüterbog, 27.7.44 - 8.44
- Rheine, 1.45 - 3.45
- Schwäbisch-Hall, 3.45 - 5.45
2.(F)/123:
- Grossenhain, 1.4.36 - 1.10.37
- Würzburg, 1.11.38 - 10.39
- Mönchen-Gladbach, 10.39 - 5.40
- Cherbourg-West, 7.40 - 1.41
- Trapani2.41 - 6.41
- Athens-Tatoi, 6.41 - 4.42
- Kastelli/Crete, 4.42 - 5.43
- Athens-Tatoi, 5.43 - 10.44
- Jüterbog-Waldlager, 10.44 - 1.11.44
3.(F)/123:
- Grossenhain, 1.4.36 - 1.10.37
- Würzburg, 1.11.38 - 8.39
- Schweidnitz, 8.39 - 9.39
- Gelnhausen, 10.39 - 5.40
- Brest-Süd, 7.40 - 11.41
- Lannion, 11.41 - 8.42
- Rennes, 8.42 - 15.6.44
- Corme, 15.6.44 - 27.6.44
- Carne, 27.6.44 - 28.7.44
- Cognac, 28.7.44 - 8.44
- Jüterbog-Waldlager, 8.44 - 3.45
4.(F)/123:
- Théville, 11.42 - 22.2.44
- Bernay, 24.2.44 - 15.6.44
- St. André, 15.6.44 - 5.7.44
- Guyancourt, 5.7.44 - 8.44
- Charleville, 8.44 - 2.9.44
- Trier, 2.9.44 - 4.9.44
- Niedermendig, 4.9.44 - 25.9.44
- Limburg, 25.9.44 - 1.11.44
5.(F)/123:
- St. Pol, 11.42 - 7.43
- Monchy-Breton, 7.43 - 8.44
- Dijon, 8.44 - 4.9.44
- Hagenau, 4.9.44 - 14.9.44
- Buer, 14.9.44 - 3.10.44
6.(F)/123:
- Beauvais, 1.43 - 2.43
- Cormeilles, 4.44 - 8.44

On Sunday 30th March 1941 a Junkers Ju 88A of 1(F) Aufklarungsgruppe 123 was shot down by Flight Lieutenant A.D.J. Lovell DFC in a Spitfire of No 41 Squadron, over Middlesbrough the aircraft dived into the ground at Barnaby Moor, Eston. The crew of the JU88 were all killed they were, Lt W. Schloth, Lt O. Meinhold, Fw W. Schmigale and Uffz H. Steigerwald all killed

I would like to hear from anyone who remembers this incident or anyone who knewany of the men involved.

List of those who served.

Lt O. Meinhold. observer. 1(F)/123 (d. 30 March 1941) Read his story
Lt W. Schloth. pilot. 1(F)/123 (d. 30 March 1941)Read his story
Fw W. Schmigale. radio-operator. 1(F)/123 (d. 30 March 1941) Read his story
Uffz H. Steigerwald. gunner. 1(F)/123 (d. 30 March 1941) Read his story
Lt. Hans Weber. 3(F)/123.

If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch. Send an email to:

If you have any information, stories or photographs to add to this section we woudl love to hear from you.

Recollections from members of the forces or civilians are welcome and will be treated with the utmost respect.