The Aufklärungsabteilung/SS-VT was formed in June 1939 from SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon II. It took part in the invasion of Poland attached to Panzer-Division Kempf and following that campaign it was used to form SS-Division Verfügungstruppe (later renamed Das Reich).

A Motorized Reconnaissance Detachment in the Polish Campaign by SS-Sturmbannführer Dr.Ing. Wim Brandt.

Commanders

SS-Sturmbannführer Hans von Wangenheim
SS-Sturmbannführer Dr.Ing. Wim Brandt

Order of battle

Stab
Nachrichten-Zug
1. Kradschützen-Kompanie
2. Kradschützen-Kompanie
Panzerspäh-Zug
Panzerabwehr-Zug

Notable members

Dr Wilhelm "Wim" Brandt (Inventor of the Waffen-SS camouflage clothing)

Sources used

Andrew Mollo - Uniforms of the SS: Collected Edition
Jacek Solarz - SS Verfügungstruppen 1939
Otto Weidinger - Das Reich I

Reference material on this unit

Otto Weidinger - Das Reich I