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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 (27)
Isabelle711
Oh my goodness how cool this is. :)))))) I need to go to something like this. :))))))) When I was little and my dad would show me what he wore when he was in the air force I always thought the hat looked so big. LOL!!!! I look up to all that serves. :)))) Most excellent capture my friend. :)))) Thank you for sharing this experience. :))))) Carry A Smile In Your Heart :)))))
jayfar
Take away the crowd and this could be for real!!
jocko500
I can see this in action in ww2 movies cool shot
blinkings
One of the first vehicles to make use of a limited slip differential allowing this VW to be effective off-road without having four wheel drive.
Dreamingbee
really another great and intersting photo Sig have a good week ;))
UteBigSmile
Super Schnappschuss!
UVDan
It is the Volkswagen Thing. I have wanted one for so long. How about one with the crowd airbrushed out?
bazza
Great shot Sig, this vehicle looks well looked after..
renecyberdoc
yeah.
Faemike55
Very cool looking vehicle! wouldn't mind owning that! I'd even drive it!!! Great capture
virginiese
It looks like a great fair. It's great to have a fair like this to show how things were back in WWII. I even didn't know how the uniforms looked like in this time, so thanks for sharing
Maxidyne
Thanks for posting this Sig. It's always been a firm favourite of mine along with the Schwimmwagen and love the aircooled engine sound on these. What i'd give to own one :)
flavia49
marvelous capture
pat40
Great Shot.
farmerC
Shining.
bobrgallegos
Great capture of thisawesome old machine!!
drifterlee
I had an old VW but it was a bug. Cool shot!
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
sandra46
superb capture
rocdan
hogans heros no !!! great capture
auntietk
I wanted one for a brief period, but got over it. The idea of a fun-colored car was pretty alluring at the time! These guys look just right.
crunch01
way wqay fantastic!!!!!
lyron
Nice car and shot!!
debbielove
Great shot, always loved these! The German 'Jeep'! It could just about do as much but obviously, they could not produce anywhere near as many.. Got to be a Fave! Well caught mate! Rob
Richardphotos
this would be a fun vehicle to have except no parts being available here.sharp capture
moochagoo
I would like to be there :)
danapommet
I remember the VW 'THING' except the only one I saw was sun shine yellow.