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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (34)
Faemike55
absolutely cool capture, Sig! Very beautiful planes
blinkings
Who knew Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen was one of four identical twins! Beautifully composed mate. A great shot. If I may offer a suggestion, next time call them ahead of the shoot and order four daring but dainty wing walking girls!!!!
bobrgallegos
Super shot of these awesome planes!!
bmac62
Beauties all Sig! Looks like four Boeing Stearman of the Red Baron Squadron sponsored by the Schwan Food Company when you saw them in 2005. Here's a postcript I found: All of us like round numbers when it comes to celebrating anniversaries, but the Red Baron Squadron was never to make it to its thirtieth. On Dec. 3, 2007 the Schwan Food Company shocked the team’s staff with a decision to move in a new marketing direction due to changes in retail food sales—whatever that means. The Red Baron Squadron pizza box will still feature the helmeted pilot with flying scarf at the ready, but never again will parents hear their kids asking for Red Baron pizza on the way home from an airshow. The team has disbanded.
junge1
I am glad you told me that Bill. I am glad I captured them when I did!
Sylvia
AWESOME Thanks for sharing!!!
erlandpil
Super shot erland
renecyberdoc
yep von richthofen.
bazza
Maybe they are not around anymore because their props all stopped working at the same time you took this shot, lol.. Great capture..
jayfar
This is a super shot and thanks for sharing.
farmerC
Shining shot.
auntietk
Wonderful capture! Between you and Bill, this scene has come to life.
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. Pity they had be disbanded. God Bless.
adrie
Wow very cool and amazing photoshot.
dochtersions
This really is a joyfully and happy photo-shot. Look in the air and head up ;-). Great!
jmb007
beaux avions!!
jophoto
Very cool shot!
kbrog
Excellent capture of these wonderful old style plans flying together! :)
emmecielle
fantastic capture! :)
psyoshida
Great shot and fantastic looking planes flying in a perfectly cloudless sky. Dramatic!
flavia49
marvelous image
Minda
marvelous shot of this beautiful planes sig..
drifterlee
Really cool planes!
sandra46
wonderful capture
rawdodb
Cool Shot and Fly by!!!! Love old Biplanes!!!
jocko500
wow this is super cool. love how those planes look
mariogiannecchini
Wonderful capture ! Really cool planes!
nefertiabet
Super Flieger!!!
Crudelitas
Fantastic shot! Very well done!
moochagoo
Love those old 1914-18 planes