2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group

The 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group was an inactive United States Army Air Forces unit organized during World War II to support aerial reconnaissance, photographic mapping, and the preparation of crews and personnel for expanding American air operations. It was constituted as the 2d Photographic Group on 1 May 1942 and activated six days later, on 7 May, at Bradley Field, Connecticut. The unit was initially assigned to II Air Support Command, reflecting the close relationship between aerial photography, battlefield observation, and support for ground operations. During its active period, the group functioned primarily as a training and organizational resource rather than as a conventional front-line combat formation. It trained aircrews and associated personnel in photographic reconnaissance and mapping duties, while also supplying experienced personnel to help staff newly established groups and squadrons. This role was important during the rapid wartime expansion of the United States Army Air Forces, when specialist units had to be created and brought to operational readiness quickly. The group relocated soon after activation, moving from Bradley Field to Colorado Springs Army Air Base, Colorado, around 13 May 1942. In May 1943, its designation was changed to the 2d Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, a name that more directly described its mapping and reconnaissance responsibilities. In August 1943, it was redesignated the 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group. In October of the same year, the organization moved to Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma, and was transferred from II Air Support Command to III Air Support Command, where it remained until it was disbanded. The unit operated or supported a varied fleet of aircraft. These included B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators, which could be adapted for long-range photographic work; B-25 Mitchells and A-20 Havocs, which provided medium and light bomber platforms; P-38 Lightnings, which were widely used for high-speed reconnaissance; and L-4 and L-5 liaison aircraft for lighter observation and support tasks. The variety of aircraft reflects the broad range of missions associated with wartime photographic intelligence, from long-range image collection and mapping to local observation and training. Its component organizations included the 6th Photographic Squadron in 1942; the 7th and 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons, which served from 1942 through 1944; the 11th Combat Mapping Squadron, formerly the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron; and the 29th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, which joined the group in 1943. These components gave the group a combination of reconnaissance, mapping, training, and personnel-development functions. The 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group was disbanded on 1 May 1944 at Will Rogers Field. It therefore existed for less than two years and did not continue as an active postwar brand or institution. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to the Army Air Forces' wartime reconnaissance and mapping infrastructure, particularly its role in training crews and helping establish additional photographic units. The organization is best understood as a military unit rather than a commercial brand, company, or consumer-facing product name.

The 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group emerged during the rapid expansion of the United States Army Air Forces in the Second World War. It was constituted on 1 May 1942 as the 2d Photographic Group and activated on 7 May at Bradley Field, Connecticut. Its initial assignment was to II Air Support Command. The group was established at a time when aerial photography and mapping had become essential to planning, navigation, target analysis, battlefield observation, and the assessment of military operations. After activation, the group moved to Colorado Springs Army Air Base, Colorado, around 13 May 1942. Its work centered on reconnaissance and mapping training, including the preparation of crews and other specialists. The organization also supplied personnel to help man newly created photographic reconnaissance groups and squadrons. This personnel function was particularly valuable as the Army Air Forces expanded its specialized reconnaissance structure and needed experienced staff to seed new formations. The group's component structure changed during its existence. The 6th Photographic Squadron was associated with it in 1942. The 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron and 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron served with the group from 1942 until 1944. The 11th Combat Mapping Squadron, previously designated the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, provided mapping capability, while the 29th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron became part of the organization in 1943. Together, these components reflected the overlap between photographic intelligence, aerial survey, combat mapping, and operational training. The group used or trained personnel on a range of aircraft types, including the B-17, B-24, B-25, L-4, L-5, P-38, and A-20. These aircraft offered different combinations of range, speed, payload, altitude, and handling characteristics. Heavy bombers could support long-range photographic missions, medium and light aircraft offered flexibility for training and shorter-range work, fighter-derived platforms provided speed, and liaison aircraft supported lighter observation duties. In May 1943, the unit was redesignated the 2d Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group. The change acknowledged the importance of mapping in its responsibilities. In August 1943, it received the shorter designation 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group. On 7 October 1943, it moved to Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma, and was reassigned from II Air Support Command to III Air Support Command. It remained at Will Rogers Field for the rest of its existence. The group was disbanded on 1 May 1944. Its relatively short life was consistent with the fluid organization of wartime Army Air Forces units, which were frequently redesignated, reorganized, consolidated, or dissolved as operational requirements changed. The 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group did not become a continuing postwar commercial or military institution. Its legacy is instead connected to the development of the United States' wartime aerial reconnaissance and combat mapping capabilities, and to the training and personnel support it provided to other photographic units.

• 1944

  Disbanded

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  The 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group was inactivated and disbanded on 1 May 1944 at Will Rogers Field.

• 1943

  Redesignated as the 2d Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  In May 1943, the unit's designation was changed to emphasize its combined reconnaissance and mapping responsibilities.

• 1943

  Redesignated as the 2d Photographic Reconnaissance Group

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  In August 1943, the organization adopted the designation by which it is principally known.

• 1943

  Transferred to III Air Support Command

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  On 7 October 1943, the group moved to Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma, and came under III Air Support Command.

• 1942

  Constituted as the 2d Photographic Group

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  The organization was constituted on 1 May 1942 as the 2d Photographic Group in preparation for wartime reconnaissance and mapping work.

• 1942

  Activated at Bradley Field

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  The group was activated on 7 May 1942 at Bradley Field, Connecticut, under II Air Support Command.

• 1942

  Moved to Colorado Springs Army Air Base

  [1]2d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org

  Around 13 May 1942, the group relocated to Colorado Springs Army Air Base, Colorado.

A wartime military reconnaissance and mapping training organization rather than a commercial brand. Its principal institutional functions were aerial photographic reconnaissance, combat mapping support, crew training, and the provision of personnel for newly formed units.

1. 12d Photographic Reconnaissance Groupen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Air Force Historical Research Agencyafhra.af.mil