An Interesting Model Kit Option?

By Tony Tanzer
       

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 last 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.

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