Bordfliegergruppe 196 as of 01.09.1943.

[ju55dk]

Originally Posted by Yves Marino

JU55DK, I wouldn't go so far and search for T3/VIII Fokker seaplane.
T3 was the identification code for 1(Staffel)./Bordfliegergruppe 196; VIII could be a code for a subunit (schwarm) of the 1.Staffel or simply stand for August, or....
It was also the code for Stab and 2/196!
In the copy of the document you show you'll find that 1./Bfl.gr.196 is "ein unterstellter Verband" and the Bordfliegergrupe 196 itself is an " Einheit".
So it could be that the "Einheits Führer" or better "Einheitsführer" was in fact the Gruppenkommandeur at that time and the Kammeraden from 1.Staffel made him a present.
Einheit could be anything from 2-3 aircraft to Gruppe/Geschwader, but your guess is as good as mine.
Gruppenkommandeure of Bordfliegergruppe 196 were:
Maj Gerrit Wiegmink, 9.43 - 4.44
Maj Schmidt, 4.44 - 1944 (see more under http://www.ww2.dk/air/seefl/bfgr196.htm )
If you can find anything about them and their birthdays, than this will prove (or not) my guess.
Wiegmink was born in july.

It's a mistery for me were Derek has the information from that "which I assume is Bordflieger fw62 Unit 196" and "Unit 196 flew fw 62's reconnaissance."?!

Regards Yves

It would be nice if Derek would supply a photo of the inscription?

Junker

[derek hicks]

Thank you so very much for all that information you've given and am sure my colleague (who doesn't have a computer) will be well pleased. I shall see if he is willing to let me borrow the Luftwaffe dagger in question to send a photo down to you. Once again I appreciate all your time and effort in assisting with this research and am sure the "leaders" you've offered will make the job so much easier. Thanks again.