After the war began, the squadron grew to three squadrons, each with 12 aeroplanes, and became the Reconnaissance Group of the Commander in Chief of the Air Force (Fernaufklärungsgruppe des Oberbefehlshabers der Luftwaffe, abbreviated AufklGrp OB der Lw).[18] A fourth squadron was created in January 1941 to spy on the Soviet Union.[18] At its largest, the unit comprised 200 to 300 men and approximately 50 aircraft.[16] Rowehl now only occasionally flew.