The Flying Zirkus

: Visiting Luftwaffe fighter pilots, possibly from JG 27, look over this captured Spitfire IX, which was an ex No. 412 (RCAF) Squadron machine that was lost in mid 1944. The aircraft carried the unit code T9+EK with enlarged national markings and a bright yellow tail unit to try and avoid wrong identification

223

Theodor “Ted” Rosarius began flight training in 1932 but when the fledgling Luftwaffe was formed on March 1, 1935, he decided to stay with civil aviation. By 1938, he was responsible for testing aircraft instruments with the Askania company before transferring to Hansa Luftbild, which was absorbed into the military under the designation Versuchsstelle für Höhenflug (Experimental Station for High-Altitude Flying) in 1939. In 1942, he was promoted to Hauptmann and in 1943 was asked...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

You need to be a Flight Journal Digital Member to see the full article
Already a Member?

Purchase Options

membership

All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.