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| Volunteer of 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend |
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| Radio Operator of SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12 |
The Aufklärungs-Abteilung was the eyes and ears of the parent division. As with all German combat formations, the composition of the Waffen-SS Aufklärungs-Abteilung varied from division to division, and from one period of the war to another. Panzer Aufklärungs-Abteilungen were attached to Panzer divisions, and were generally equipped with amphibious Schwimmwagens and armoured vehicles, with all troops transported by halftrack, and an anti-tank gun (PaK) component was included, light tanks were also included in the detachment as the theory of reconnaissance in force was practiced. The Abteilung had to be able to move quickly, and as its mission was reconnaissance, it was not equipped to deal with enemy medium or heavy armour, although these engagements did happen quite frequently. Left image: a young volunteer of the 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend wearing a disruptively Erbsentarn patterned jacket on the outskirts of Caen in June 1944. Photo by South Tyrol-born SS-Obersturmführer and KB Friedrich Zschäckel. Credit: Karl Mensburg. c. Bundesarchiv. Right image: another unidentified young SS-Panzergrenadier photographed in the Caen area in July 1944. According to some sources, a member of the SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12 Hitlerjugend. Credit: Doug Banks. c. Bundesarchiv.
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