I was talking to Richard Mackay about a Luftwaffe pilot who
has the same surname I have. The pilot’s name was Kurt Tanzer and
Richard kindly found out the following information for me. I might have to
make up a model just for the fact that we have the same surname.
Details about -Kurt Tanzer. Born 1.11.1920. Moscow Soviet Union.
On the 18.3.1942 he was posted to 12/JG51 from Ergaeungszugstaffel
JG51, (training reserve unit). On the Eastern front his score climbed to
35 by the 5.5.42. He was wounded the next day!! At this time he flew a FW
190A-4 (aircraft No. 7161 "blue 7"). He was awarded the Knights
Cross after 39 victories on the 5.12.1943. He transferred to the Staff
Staffel of JG51.
He flew 723 missions operationally, 187 of these as a fighter bomber
(JaB0). There is some controversy about his tally. It is accepted he had
128, however his army ID book lists 143 including 17 in the West and 4 4
motors (Bombers). He was also awarded the German Cross on 2.8.43 and the
Honour Goblet on 15.2.1943.
On the 25.6.1960 whilst serving with the Bundeswehr a T-33 he was
flying in dived out of the sky killing him.
