KM Hans-Albrecht Weder, Flugsicherungsschiff 338, info reqst

[Arvo L. V.]

Esteemed forum members;

I am trying to locate some more exacting information on the Arado seaplanes, which were assigned to the Kriegsmarines Flugsicherungsschiff 338, the Hans-Albrecht Werder. I understand that at some point in time, quite probably after September of 1941, one of her duty stations was off of Ventspils (Wenden), Latvia. The KM used vessels like the Werder either in lieu of or to augment its naval air bases. The ship acted as a floating base. I am trying to determine what the Arado seaplanes may have looked like, which models they may have been and any data re Kennzeichens or special squadron insignia. If the seaplanes were used for reconnaissance missions in the Ventspils area - might they have also been used on missions in/around Estonia and Finland?

One of my goals is to be able to prepare some color art work on the vessel and the a/c she serviced.

Thank you kindly in advance for any information leads or assistance efforts.

Regards;

Arvo L. V.

[Kari Lumppio]

Tere Arvo!

Cannot answer directly to your question but in 1942 the Arado 196s flying from Tallinn were from IIRC 1./BGr 196. I do have somewhere some codes and IIRC again there was also code ending with a K (=3rd Staffel). It was just a detachment amounting three (to five?) Ar 196s at a time.

My impression is that the Luftwaffe units tended remain the same around these parts of Baltic Sea. Though sometimes changing their names. Maybe the planes you asked were also from 1./BGr 196. Quite impossible to know what the individual(s) was without any sources.

Regards,
Kari


PS Don't expect further replies from me soon, I am on vacation next week.

[Arvo L. V.]

Esteemed Kari;

Thank you kindly for your response. Please be advised that I made a small error in my original posting - the name of the vessel is WEDEL, not WEDER. I hope that this has not caused too many confusions.

I understand that Bordfliegergruppe (BFGr.) 196 carried the Kennzeichens of "T3", "6W" (used by 5./BFGr. 196 for a while) and in one known case, "6I". I'm sure that "we" (smile) are looking for "T3" coded a/c.

Again, thanks for your information.

Regards;

Arvo

P.S.: Have a great vacation!