The following report, from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 22, April 8, 1943, describes the German use of Fieseler Storch light planes for night reconnaissance near El Alamein. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN USE OF AIRCRAFT FOR GROUND SECURITY AT NIGHT On two occasions at night, British ground patrols in the El Alamein area observed a German Fieseler Storch take off and circle around them firing its machine guns. It has been suggested that this may be a method of ascertaining the strength of hostile patrols and ensuring ample warning if an attack in force is under way. Comment: This is a small German plane comparable to the U.S. liaison plane. It can take off and land in very limited space and is used for liaison, courier service, observation, and similar tasks. Division and higher commanders sometimes use it for reconnaissance and as a means of transportation.

Back to Articles by Subject | Intel Bulletin by Issue | T&TT by Issue | Home Page